With the free agent market for wide receivers thinning out, the Miami Dolphins have a ripe opportunity on their hands with Gabe Davis, and it’s worth serious consideration. At 26, Davis fits the mold for many teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.
While his latest stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars might not have been the highlight of his career, showing up in just 10 games with 20 catches for 239 yards and a couple of touchdowns, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Particularly for a player fresh off a hefty contract averaging $13 million annually, those numbers fall short.
Yet, Davis’s track record with the Buffalo Bills paints a different picture. As a dynamic deep threat, he truly made his mark, grabbing 48 receptions for 836 yards and seven touchdowns in a standout 2022 season at just 23 years old.
Although he dipped slightly the following year to 746 yards with the same touchdown haul, the potential is undeniable.
The Dolphins receiver room certainly has its stars in Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, but beyond them, things get a little foggy. The current plan has Malik Washington as the third receiver, but with his numbers — 26 catches for 223 yards over 14 games in his rookie season — there’s room for more punch in the lineup. Washington, a sixth-round draft pick in 2024, seems more tailored to a WR4 role, given his draft position and development curve.
Enter Gabe Davis. Despite a lackluster year, the talent is there, and at 26, his story is far from complete.
The Dolphins’ offensive strategy, characterized by big plays and deep throws from Tua Tagovailoa, could be the perfect stage for Davis’s talent. With his penchant for hauling in deep balls and ability to find the end zone — evidenced by his multiple seasons logging seven touchdowns — Davis brings the right mix of skills that could seamlessly integrate into Miami’s offensive scheme.
The hurdle? Money.
Davis previously inked a big contract with the Jaguars, yet was released, revealing they didn’t see the value in that price tag moving forward. However, as the offseason presses on, the market rate for Davis might just fit the Dolphins’ budget, offering them a cost-effective solution in their quest for a solid WR3, alongside a potential long-term asset if things click.
Looking ahead, Miami is on the cusp of playoff contention, with odds from FanDuel sitting at +210. While adding Davis isn’t a move that shifts them into immediate playoff contenders, it’s a move that provides depth — critical for any team on the brink. And while the talk of seasoned names like Keenan Allen might float around, investing in the future with a young talent like Davis could prove to be a savvy move.
All signs suggest that a partnership between Davis and the Dolphins would be mutually beneficial, albeit unofficial at this stage. It screams logical, given the alignment with the Dolphins’ current needs and offensive philosophy.
