George Pickens whiff could push Jets toward signing ex-rival WR

The NY Jets still have a very thin wide receiver room outside of Garrett Wilson, and the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys took the best realistic trade target completely off the market after the NFL Draft.

If the Jets are to improve their pass-catcher menagerie, look for that player to come from the free agent market. One player who was viewed as a hated rival as recently as 14 months ago might be the best option out there for anyone looking for a cheap upgrade.

Gabe Davis was signed to a three-year contract last offseason by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the thought that he could replicate his success with the Buffalo Bills. However, new head coach Liam Coen decided to punt on him after just one season in town, releasing him to the open market.

The Jets have most of their roster locked in for the 2025 season, but Darren Mougey would do well to consider bringing in one more pass-catcher. Davis isn't a particularly high-floor option, but he is the best intersection of skill and value of players out there on the market.

Jets should consider signing Gabe Davis after missing on George Pickens

The Jacksonville tenure was a major flop, as Davis' route-running limitations proved to make him inferior to both Evan Engram and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. as pass-catching options. He needs a fresh coat of paint to get back in a groove after leaving Josh Allen.

Even with the loss of Allen hurting his production, Davis has a history of being an effective playoff performer, and the downfield playmaking skills are still there. His time in Buffalo could give the Jets enough leeway to suggest that he could bounce back in a very effective way.

Davis would immediately he the No. 2 wide receiver on this roster, even if Allen Lazard is kept around and Josh Reynolds is able to bounce back. Justin Fields has a big arm, and it would be a disservice to that arm not to use a player like Davis down the field very often.

Davis needs to get back on tract after his Jaguars stint went sideways, and he will need to specficially look for teams that will give him the volume of targets he needs to really stand out. At this point in time, the Jets might present the best opportunity for him to get back on track.