The Jacksonville Jaguars cut ties with wide receiver Gabe Davis on Wednesday, just over a year after signing him to a three-year, $39 million deal in 2024. The team designated him as a post-June 1 release, softening the financial blow but marking an early end to what was supposed to be a key offensive addition.
Why the Jaguars Moved On
Davis, 25, struggled to make an impact in his lone season in Jacksonville, finishing with just 20 catches for 239 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games before a torn meniscus ended his year. His 12.7 yards per catch marked a career low, and his struggles were magnified by two critical dropped touchdown passes in a blowout loss to the Chicago Bears in London.
With Christian Kirk traded to Houston and Evan Engram also released, Davis’ role in 2025 became uncertain—especially after the Jaguars aggressively retooled their receiving corps.
The Financial Fallout
By making Davis a post-June 1 cut, the Jaguars will absorb a 5.7 million dead cap hit this year instead of the 5.7 million dead caphit instead of the $20.3 million they would’ve owed otherwise. However, they won’t see the $794,118 in cap savings until June.
Jacksonville had guaranteed Davis 24 million at signing, including his 2025 salary (24 million at signing, including his 2025 salary (1.5M) and a $10M option bonus—making this an expensive misfire.
Jaguars’ Offensive Overhaul
Davis’ release is the latest move in a dramatic reshuffling of Jacksonville’s pass-catching group:
- Traded Christian Kirk to Houston
- Released Evan Engram
- Signed Dyami Brown in free agency
- Drafted Travis Hunter (Heisman winner) No. 2 overall
- Returning Brian Thomas Jr. (87 catches, 1,282 yards as a rookie)
With Hunter and Thomas now the future, Davis became expendable—despite the financial penalty.
Looking Back at Davis’ Career
Before joining Jacksonville, Davis was a deep-threat standout in Buffalo, averaging 16.7 yards per catch with 27 touchdowns over four seasons. But his inability to stay healthy or produce in a Jaguars uniform led to an early exit.
What’s Next?
- The Jaguars will likely add more receiver depth before training camp.
- Davis, now a free agent, could land with a team needing a low-cost, high-upside veteran.
- Jacksonville’s offence will lean heavily on Hunter, Thomas, and QB Trevor Lawrence to bounce back in 2025.
Bottom Line: The Jaguars are eating dead money to move on from Davis—a sign they’re fully committing to their young, explosive new core.