Trevor Lawrence gets a new deep threat in Gabe Davis to pair with Christian Kirk and Evan Engram. The former Buffalo Bills receiver moves from Josh Allen to Lawrence, bolstering their passing attack. The 24-year-old gets a three-year deal worth $39 million, including $11 million, with incentives that could get it to $50 million. The former UCF receiver gets to go back home to play in Florida with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacksonville Jaguars Agree to Terms with Gabe Davis
Comp update: Jaguars are giving former Bills WR Gabriel Davis a 3-year, $39 million deal that includes $11 million at signing.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
The signing of Davis doesn’t rule out them re-signing Calvin Ridley apparently, according to Peter Schrager of NFL Network. If Jacksonville re-signed him before free agency, they would have to send a second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for the 2024 NFL Draft, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. But now, the Jaguars wouldn’t have to give up more than the third-rounder even if he is brought back on a new deal.
“Per terms of the 2022 trade with Atlanta to acquire Ridley, Jacksonville’s third-round pick due to Atlanta turns into a second-rounder if Jacksonville extends Ridley’s contract. That’s why Jacksonville would need to wait until after the new league year begins to avoid giving up a second, because at that point any deal would be a free agency signing and not an extension. But that gives Ridley time to talk with other teams during the negotiating window, unless he and Jacksonville can work out a loose agreement and wait.”
Ridley had over 1,000 yards last year and eight touchdowns with the Jaguars, so adding another big play threat in Davis would make the passing offense nuclear potentially. That is only if Ridley doesn’t sign for more to another team in free agency. Adding both to their offense could be the key to unlocking Lawrence and Jacksonville’s offense under Doug Pederson.
Gabe Davis signing in JAX does not mean FA Calvin Ridley is necessarily gone. They’re still very much in on those conversations, per source.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 11, 2024
Gabe Davis Career Summary
His skillset would be an upgrade on a perimeter from Zay Jones and both could coincide with each other. Davis is infamously known for showing up in big games with the record for most receiving touchdowns in a playoff game with four (against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022). At 6’2″ and 210 pounds, it will be interesting if the former fourth-round pick from 2020 can develop a bit more in his starting role or if it would stay the same.
Davis has struggled to be a consistent starter at the next level, even as a deep ball specialist. As a starter on the outside, it seemed like he was more of a role player thriving in a pass-heavy scheme. That fits what the Jaguars are looking for and his skill set meshes well with their offensive scheme.
In four seasons with the Bills, Davis has 163 receptions for 2,730 yards and 27 touchdowns. He hasn’t had a 1,000 season yet, with his most dating back to 2022 with 836 yards in Buffalo. 2023 was a slight downgrade for him, playing through an injury in their playoff run this past year. Davis had 746 yards and seven touchdowns on 45 catches.
Each season, Davis has surpassed 6 receiving touchdowns. So at the very least, more touchdowns are incoming for the Jaguars in 2024.
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