The Jacksonville Jaguars made an early major decision after the 2025 NFL Draft by releasing veteran wide receiver Gabe Davis, ending a turbulent and injury-plagued 2024 season. Davis revealed on the “Matt and Shane‘s Secret Podcast” that an injury sustained before joining the Jaguars was a key factor in his struggles and eventual release.
Details on the Injury That Affected Davis’s Performance
Davis explained that he had already been dealing with a significant knee injury before signing with Jacksonville, which compromised his ability to perform. He shared,
“I had torn my PCL meniscus. I had torn it the 17th game in 2023 in Buffalo. And then signed with Jacksonville and [explicit] never got back right,”
highlighting how the injury predated his Jaguars tenure.
This lingering damage explains why Davis was never able to reach his usual form while with the Jaguars. His difficulties culminated in another injury during the 2024 season that ended his playing time early. He described the moment on the podcast, saying,
“So I was just running like Week 10 and just took a cut and then felt a pop in my knee and went to go try to walk to the sideline.”
Impact on Performance and Jaguars Roster Moves
During his 10 games last season with Jacksonville, Davis managed only 20 receptions for 239 yards and two touchdowns—numbers well below his career averages. The Jaguars faced a financial hurdle after releasing him, with over $20 million in dead cap space due to his guaranteed $11 million salary in 2025 and an additional $14 million deferred to 2026 as a post-June 1 release.
The Jaguars also parted ways with multiple pass-catchers in 2024, including Evan Engram, Devin Duvernay, and Josh Reynolds, and traded Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans. To fill the void at wide receiver, the team acquired Dyami Brown in free agency and selected standout rookie Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Next Steps Following Release and Free Agency Status
Since his release, Davis has attended several free agency visits but remains unsigned as teams weigh his injury history and recent performances. His experience underscores the risks of signing players who carry pre-existing injuries, which can affect both player health and team salary cap management.
The Jaguars’ decision to release Davis marked a turning point for the receiver room and signals a new direction under the team’s revamped leadership, focusing on younger talent and healthier options moving forward.