Malachi Corley's next team after Jets release is painfully obvious

Despite former New York Jets GM Joe Douglas trading up in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft to acquire Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley (whom Douglas had ranked higher than Brian Thomas Jr. and Ladd McConkey), the much-maligned wideout touched the ball just five times during his rookie season.

Fresh off that disaster of a rookie campaign, Aaron Glenn did not want to entertain the idea of developing Corley anymore and parted ways with him. Corley's stock has fallen so far in just one year that it is fair to wonder where his next football paycheck is coming from.

Corley's connections may be the only way to ensure he gets another role in the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers have a need for productive wide receivers, and they have many former Jets coaches on the staff. However, the only person who believes in Corley strongly enough to sign him may be Douglas himself.

Douglas has returned to his old pre-Jets role as an assistant to Philadelphia Eagles mastermind Howie Roseman. Douglas remains the president of the Corley fan club, so much so that he might convince Roseman to take a chance on him.

Eagles could sign WR Malachi Corley after expected NY Jets release

The Eagles are so loaded on the offensive side of the ball that it seems unlikely Corley will get a ton of snaps. Corley may have been given a second wind after the Eagles decided to part ways with a receiver who has a very similar profile to former draft pick Ainias Smith.

However, part of Corley's hypothetical bounce-back in Philadelphia may be because of his off-field attitude. Corley famously refused to play special teams in New York, a move that put him behind the 8-ball immediately. Much like Mekhi Becton eventually humbled up and moved to guard, Corley may need to reinvent himself in that way.

While it remains to be seen how good Tanner Engstrand will be with the Jets, Corley supporters (who are very much an active community) are correct in arguing that Nathaniel Hackett is not a coach capable of turning him into a quality player. Perhaps Nick Sirianni will know how to use him better.

Corley's inability to run routes and master an NFL playbook will always be his undoing unless he manages to make some strides in a positive direction. Douglas likely believes he can fix him, and that could be all Corley needs to get one more contract coming his way in the pros.

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