We are now down to four unsigned rookies. Entering Wednesday morning, two third-round draftees had not provided signatures on their rookie deals; that list is trimmed to one.
The Jets now have Malachi Corley under contract, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. The team agreed to terms with the No. 65 overall pick on a four-year rookie deal. The terms of the wide receiver’s pact will likely precede a near-future Cardinals agreement with the final unsigned third-rounder, running back Trey Benson.
Corley will compete for the Jets’ slot receiver post, with Xavier Gipson representing the Western Kentucky alum’s main competition during training camp. The Jets have notable plans for Corley, however, as their Day 2 investment showed. The team began making calls on potentially trading up for the mid-major product at No. 45.
Ranked in Daniel Jeremiah’s final NFL.com top 50, Corley joins Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams as the top Jets receiver investments. Corley contributed to Bailey Zappe‘s record-setting 2021 season but became a bigger part of the Hilltoppers’ offense over the past two years. He totaled 101 receptions for 1,295 yards in 2022 and added 79 grabs for 984 yards last season. Snaring 11 touchdown passes in each of those seasons, Corley earned first-team All-Conference USA in 2022 and ’23.
At 5-foot-11, 215 pounds, Corley brings a big-bodied slot profile for the Jets, who will not be nearly as dependent on ex-Aaron Rodgers Packers targets as they were in 2023. The Jets have not re-signed Randall Cobb, and after underwhelming in his debut with the team, Allen Lazard is essentially only still around due to a $22MM guarantee the team authorized. A Wilson-Williams-Corley setup may be where the Jets end up at receiver before too long, though Gipson will have a say in that trio forming.
Here is how the Jets’ 2024 draft class looks ahead of training camp:
- Round 1, No. 11 (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 65 (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 134 (from Ravens): Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 171: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 173 (from Chiefs): Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 176 (from 49ers): Qwan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 257: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama) (signed)
Can’t wait to see Travis throw in preseason hopefully.
Interesting player. Looking forward to seeing how he develops
I’ll be curious to watch Corley. Among players who get Deebo Samuel comps, you get a whole lot more Laviska Shenaults, but he’s so much fun to watch with the ball in his hands. Hopefully his skills can develop and translate enough.