Davante Adams reminds Jets fans just how delusional Malachi Corley was

Remember when the New York Jets boasted one of the league's best wide receiver tandems? It wasn't for long- 11 games to be exact- but one of the only joys of that 2024 season was watching Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams on the field together on Sundays.

When Adams first arrived in New York, though, his famous No. 17 jersey was taken by 2024 third-round pick Malachi Corley. Jets fans will surely remember the player that then head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas had to have "no matter what."

Corley didn't end up contributing much in his lone season with the Jets. Most opportunities he received always seemed to slip right through his grasp.

Of course, his lack of production didn't stop him from having lofty standards for himself, and he had so much pride that he refused to give Adams his number without a hefty price.

Davante Adams recounts New York Jets' Malachi Corley jersey story

Adams appeared on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast earlier in the week, and without naming Corley specifically, told the story about his initial arrival in New York and fight to receive the No. 17.

"I got $17,000 cash in my backpack, and I'm thinking like, 'this ain't nothing crazy, but like certainly to give up your number as a rookie, like you ain't did s--- yet.' It was Week 6, and I think he played four plays at that point."

The All-Pro wide receiver, who had just arrived in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders that same week, offered to buy new jerseys for Corley's whole family, along with the $17,000 for his number.

But Corley wouldn't budge on his asking price.

"He said, 'it's great to have you big bro. I can't wait to learn from you, but I'm gonna need a million.'"

The gall on Corley is almost admirable. He was just barely six weeks into his first NFL season and was refusing to give one of the best in the game his jersey.

Luckily, Jets owner Woody Johnson had Adams' back. Instead of the transaction, Johnson took the number away from Corley, free of charge.

It's hilarious to hear this story in hindsight, but again, it's hard to fathom Corley's audacity. Throughout his rookie season, the former third-round pick only managed to haul in three catches for 16 yards.

He only managed to last that first season before failing to make the Jets' 53-man roster ahead of the 2025 season. He caught on with the Cleveland Browns and remains there at this point in the offseason.

Corley is easily one of the worst draft picks in recent Jets history, and this anecdote from Adams just reiterates that his head was in the wrong place in New York.

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