JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars released receiver Gabe Davis on Wednesday, quickly moving on from the costly free agent who had a turbulent season in Jacksonville before going on injured reserve.
Davis signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Jaguars last year after he had a hot and cold tenure in Buffalo, but never seemed to fit in Jacksonville. Davis had just 239 yards receiving and two touchdowns on 20 catches before tearing his meniscus in a 52-6 loss to the Lions. Before that, Davis was erratic and was a frequent target of critics because of his inconsistency and struggle with holding on to passes.
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Under new head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone, the Jaguars have been slashing contracts and bringing in their own players. Before the move to cut Davis, Jacksonville had more than $58 million in dead cap money this season, the fourth-highest total in the league.
The move also suggests that Coen and Gladstone are comfortable with second-year player Brian Thomas Jr. as the top pass catcher and rookie first-rounder Travis Hunter as the No. 2. Free agent Dyami Brown could open ahead of Hunter on the depth chart, but the plan for Jacksonville would certainly favor Hunter to grab the spot behind Thomas. Parker Washington also figures into the equation. Jacksonville’s roster makeup should allow an undrafted free agent or two to make the team at receiver.
Davis flashed big play ability in Buffalo, catching six touchdowns or more in his four seasons there. But he ran hot and cold, never catching more than 48 passes. He never seemed fully healthy (or to fully click) with Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville. His return to the Sunshine State (Davis is a Fernandina Beach native who played at UCF) was expected to be a welcome return, but it was a frustrating experience for everyone.
The team will take a $20.3 million dead cap charge, the largest in franchise history, to part ways with Davis. If they designate him a post-June 1 cut, Jacksonville can spread out that charge over two seasons. But that much money for playing in just 10 games is another stain on the Jaguars checkered free agent history.
Davis joined the Jaguars in general manager Trent Baalke’s last free agent class, which was one of the worst in the team’s history. In addition to Davis, the team signed defensive tackle Arik Armstead, cornerback Ronald Darby, returner Devin Duvernay, kicker Joey Slye, safety Darnell Savage, outside linebacker Trevis Gipson, center Mitch Morse and tight end Josiah Deguara.
Only Savage and Armstead remain with the team.
In terms of disappointing free agent receivers, Davis is, at worst, near the top. Jerry Porter had 181 yards on 11 catches after signing a six-year, $30 million deal with $10 million guaranteed in 2008. Laurent Robinson (24 catches, 252 yards) signed a five-year, $32.5 million contract with $14 million guaranteed in 2012. Both of those players spent just one season in town. Robinson struggled with injuries and essentially had his career end due to concussions. Porter was a terrible fit in the locker room and is in the conversation as the team’s worst free agent signing of all time.
