Gabe Davis was released by the Jaguars earlier in the offseason.
The New England Patriots have made significant strides in rebuilding their wide receiver corps for the 2025 season. With Stefon Diggs leading the charge as the marquee addition, the team has also cultivated depth with promising talents like Pop Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and rookie Kyle Williams. Kendrick Bourne, now fully recovered from his 2023 ACL injury, adds another layer of reliability to the group. Yet, despite this improved roster, there’s still room for a game-changer—a proven deep threat with playoff pedigree. Enter Gabe Davis, the former Buffalo Bill and Jacksonville Jaguar, whose release earlier this offseason presents a golden opportunity for the Patriots to bolster their offense.
A Disappointing Stint in Jacksonville Doesn’t Define Davis
Gabe Davis’s tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars was, by all accounts, underwhelming. Signed to a three-year, $39 million contract in the 2024 offseason, expectations were high for the former UCF Golden Knight to become a key contributor. However, Davis managed only 20 receptions for 239 yards in 10 games, overshadowed by rookie standout Brian Thomas Jr. and hampered by a meniscus tear that limited his availability. While his 2024 season was a letdown, it’s far from a reflection of his true potential.
During his four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Davis established himself as a reliable deep threat and complementary piece alongside Stefon Diggs. Over that span, he recorded 27 touchdowns, including seven in three of his four seasons with the Bills. While never a high-volume receiver, Davis excelled at stretching defenses and capitalizing on big plays, making him an ideal fit for a Patriots offense that already has high-volume targets in Diggs and Douglas.
A Playoff Performer with Proven Clutch Ability
What sets Davis apart is his ability to shine when the stakes are highest. His defining moment came in the 2022 AFC Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he erupted for 201 yards on eight receptions and set an NFL playoff record with four touchdown catches. This wasn’t a one-off performance—Davis has consistently delivered in the postseason, averaging 67 yards per game across his playoff appearances. For a Patriots team with postseason aspirations under head coach Mike Vrabel, adding a player with Davis’s clutch gene could be a game-changer.
The Patriots’ current deep-threat options, led by Kayshon Boutte, have shown promise. Boutte had standout moments in 2024, but recent trade rumors suggest uncertainty about his role. Davis, with his experience and proven ability to take the top off defenses, could seamlessly fill this void. His familiarity with Diggs, having played alongside him in Buffalo, would also ease his integration into New England’s offensive scheme.
Why Davis Fits the Patriots’ Needs
The Patriots’ offseason moves signal a clear intent to compete now. Signing a player like Davis aligns perfectly with this win-now mentality. At 26 years old, he’s still in his prime, and his skill set addresses specific needs in New England’s offense. Here’s why Davis could be the missing piece:
Deep Threat Capability: Davis’s ability to stretch the field would complement Diggs and Douglas, who thrive in high-volume, shorter-to-intermediate routes. His 12.0 yards per catch average with the Bills highlights his big-play potential.
Red Zone Prowess: With 27 touchdowns in four seasons, Davis is a proven scoring threat, particularly in the red zone, where the Patriots could use an additional weapon.
Playoff Experience: His postseason track record makes him an invaluable asset for a team eyeing a deep playoff run.
Cost-Effective Option: Coming off a down year and a recent injury, Davis is likely to be available at a bargain, making him an attractive target for a team looking to maximize value.
Addressing Concerns: The Knee and the Fit
The primary concern with Davis is the status of his knee following the meniscus tear that sidelined him in 2024. However, assuming a full recovery, his age and track record suggest he can return to form. The Patriots’ medical staff and front office will undoubtedly conduct thorough due diligence, but Davis’s youth and prior durability—playing all 17 games in two of his four seasons with Buffalo—bode well for a rebound.
In terms of fit, Davis doesn’t need to be the focal point of the offense, which suits his skill set. New England’s system, with Diggs as the primary target and Douglas as a dynamic slot option, allows Davis to operate as a complementary piece who can exploit single coverage and create mismatches downfield. His prior chemistry with Diggs could also accelerate his acclimation to the Patriots’ playbook.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
While NFL.com’s Kevin Patra recently highlighted the New York Giants as a potential landing spot for Davis, the Patriots have just as strong a case—if not stronger. New England’s improved receiver room still lacks a proven deep threat with playoff experience, and Davis checks both boxes. His signing would represent a low-risk, high-reward move for a team looking to elevate its offense from competitive to contender status.
As the Patriots prepare for the 2025 season, adding Gabe Davis could be the final piece to transform their offense into a dynamic, postseason-ready unit. His 201-yard, four-touchdown playoff masterpiece against Kansas City is a reminder of what he’s capable of when the lights are brightest. If New England acts swiftly, they could secure a player who not only complements their current roster but also brings the clutch factor needed to make a deep playoff run.