The Jacksonville Jaguars raised the roster floor in free agency and are now raising their ceiling with the selection of Travis Hunter. The downside of drafting the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner is that it just sealed the fate of free-agent disappointment Gabe Davis.
Originally signed for his big-play capability, Davis was underwhelming in 2024, registering a career-low 20 receptions for 238 yards with a measly two touchdowns. On top of that, his 40.5 percent was the worst of his career. Sure, you could make the case that the Fernandina Beach native suffered a season-ending injury, but he was struggling even before he got hurt.
While every player deserves to get paid whatever a team is willing to pay him, the truth is that his performance wasn't on par with the three-year deal worth $39 million that he got last offseason. Simply put, the Jags didn't get enough bang for the buck, so it's not surprising that Davis became an afterthought for the new regime.
Days ahead of the draft, head coach Liam Coen had glowing praise for several skill-position players, with one glaring omission: Davis. It may or may not have been influential. But with Hunter in the fold, the veteran wideout is now expendable.
What's next for Gabe Davis after the Jaguars drafted Gabe Davis?
Brian Thomas Jr. is the unquestionable No. 1 receiver on the Jaguars offense. Dyami Brown signed a one-year deal worth $10 million in free agency and will most likely start. Parker Washington will most likely replace Christian Kirk in the slot, and Travis Hunter will also have a featured role right off the bat. That leaves Gabe Davis as the odd man out.
Sure, Davis would provide depth, but the Jags are better off cutting ties with him and paving the way for Hunter. Releasing him would be a bit costly right now, since it would leave a whopping $20 million in dead money. However, the team's brass could designate him as a post-June 1 cut and spread the cap hit this year and next.
Maybe the Jaguars could get a seventh-round selection in exchange for Davis, but even if they have to outright release him, it's clear that there's no room for him after Jacksonville traded up to select Travis Huner.