In a surprising move, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced on May 7, 2025, that they have released wide receiver Gabe Davis, just one year after signing him to a three-year, $39 million contract. The decision, confirmed by the team’s public relations account and reported by multiple outlets, marks a significant shift for the franchise under new general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen. The release, likely designated as a post-June 1 cut, comes with a hefty financial cost but signals a new direction for the Jaguars’ receiving corps.
Davis, 26, joined the Jaguars in the 2024 offseason as a free agent after a successful four-year stint with the Buffalo Bills, where he recorded 163 receptions for 2,730 yards and 27 touchdowns. Expectations were high for Davis to complement rookie standout Brian Thomas Jr. and veteran Christian Kirk in Jacksonville’s passing attack. However, his first and only season with the Jaguars was marred by injuries and underwhelming production. A torn meniscus in his left knee limited Davis to just 10 games, during which he caught 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns.
The decision to release Davis was not without financial implications. His contract, which included $24 million in guaranteed money, will result in a $20.3 million dead cap hit for the Jaguars in 2025, with $5.7 million impacting the 2025 salary cap and $14.6 million deferred to 2026 if structured as a post-June 1 cut. This significant cap burden underscores the Jaguars’ willingness to move on from a signing that failed to meet expectations, a move attributed to the new regime’s desire to reshape the roster.
Davis’ tenure in Jacksonville was plagued by challenges from the start. A knee injury sustained during a Week 11 loss to the Detroit Lions ended his season prematurely, and his production never matched the explosiveness he displayed with the Bills. Critics pointed to the Jaguars’ signing of Davis as a misstep, with Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame labeling it one of the worst contracts of the 2024 offseason. The addition of other receivers, such as Dyami Brown and first-round draft pick Travis Hunter, further crowded Jacksonville’s wide receiver room, potentially diminishing Davis’ role in the team’s future plans.
The release also reflects broader changes within the Jaguars’ organization. After a disappointing 4-13 campaign in 2024, the team parted ways with several key players, including trading Christian Kirk and releasing tight end Evan Engram. The acquisition of Hunter, a dynamic two-way player, in the 2025 NFL Draft signaled a shift toward younger, more versatile talent. With Brian Thomas Jr. emerging as the centerpiece of the passing game and players like Parker Washington and Dyami Brown vying for targets, the Jaguars appear to be prioritizing flexibility and long-term potential over veteran contracts.
Social Rikshaw noted on X that the release clears just $794,000 in cap space, highlighting the financial hit the Jaguars are absorbing to move forward. Meanwhile, fans and analysts expressed shock at the move, with one user remarking, “The Jaguars signed Gabe Davis to a 3 year $39 million contract just to catch 20 balls and be released a year later.” The sentiment on X reflects a mix of surprise and acknowledgment that the signing, made under the previous front-office regime, did not pan out as hoped.
For Davis, the release offers a fresh start. With a proven track record as a deep threat during his time in Buffalo, he is likely to attract interest from teams seeking a veteran receiver. His youth and past production suggest he could rebound with a new opportunity, though his injury history may give potential suitors pause.
As the Jaguars look to rebuild around quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who signed a $275 million extension in 2024, the release of Davis underscores a commitment to aligning the roster with the vision of the new coaching and management staff. While the financial ramifications of the move will linger, the Jaguars are betting that their revamped receiving corps, bolstered by Hunter and Thomas Jr., will provide the spark needed to reclaim relevance in the AFC South.
For now, Gabe Davis’ chapter in Jacksonville closes unceremoniously, but the Jaguars’ decision signals a bold, if costly, step toward a new era.
