Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis is going into a make-or-break season in 2020 after the team declined his fifth-year option, setting him up for free agency in 2021.
While Davis has done a lot of the little things well and has been a team player through his first three seasons in the NFL, his production hasn’t matched what you’d expect out of a No. 5 overall pick, which led to Tennessee making the decision it did.
As he enters a contract year, Davis isn’t focused on that situation, but rather going out on the field and taking care of business, according to David Boclair of Sports Illustrated.
“Some things you just got to put in God’s hands and go out there and play fast and control what you can control,” he said following Tuesday’s practice. “Just leave the rest up to God and give it everything you’ve got.
“And that’s what I’m planning on doing this year. I’m not really focusing on the contracts, nothing. I’m just going to go out there and play football and handle my business, and everything will take care of itself.”
And that’s the right approach. Davis has to put his best foot forward regardless of his contract situation, and doing so in 2020 could net him a nice payday in 2021, whether it be from the Titans or another team.
After posting his best season as a pro in 2018 with career-highs in catches (65), yards (891) and touchdowns (four), Davis not only took a step back production-wise in 2019, he also took a backseat to standout rookie, A.J. Brown, who did something Davis has yet to do: post a 1,000-yard season.
Davis’ training camp didn’t get off to a great start in 2020, as he started out on the PUP list following offseason toe surgery. However, he was able to return just in time for the team’s first padded practice on Monday and has looked good overall in the two practices he has participated in.
One thing to keep an eye on over the next 12 padded practices is how Davis improves his chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who noted earlier this offseason that chemistry with Davis was something he was looking to improve.
Doing so could pay huge dividends for Davis, who by default stands to get more looks this coming season with opposing defenses likely to focus more effort and attention to slowing Brown down.
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