New York Jets third-round pick Malachi Corley had an unremarkable rookie season, and he may not have a chance to redeem himself in 2025. Selected with the 65th-overall pick, former head coach Robert Saleh and General Manager Joe Douglas famously committed to drafting the Western Kentucky product “no matter what” in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While Douglas and Saleh landed the wide receiver, Malachi Corley didn’t justify the heavy investment as a rookie. Appearing in nine games while making one start, the rookie finished his inaugural season with just three receptions for 16 yards on six targets and two carries for 26 yards and an embarrassing fumble.
Now fighting for the WR2 role on a wide-open depth chart, ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes that free agent signee Josh Reynolds is “the clear-cut leader for the WR2 job.” With Reynolds winning the battle and Allen Lazard coming back on a reduced contract, Malachi Corley could be the odd man out for the Jets. While nobody will surrender a third-round pick for his services, the following teams could roll the dice on his potential.
Jets Could Trade Malachi Corley After One Season
Top Team Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have a high-risk, high-reward group of pass catchers. If Rashee Rice stays healthy and avoids suspension, Xavier Worthy builds on an up-and-down rookie season, and Travis Kelce finds enough gas for one more good season, then the team will not need another receiver. However, that’s a lot of ‘if’s, and the Chiefs should add another set of hands to bring some stability to this room. While Marquise Brown is a more proven veteran, Malachi Corley offers more long-term upside, and it shouldn’t take much for the Jets to agree to a trade.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have the game’s best young tight end in Brock Bowers and a solid complementary receiver in Jakobi Meyers. While these two are good enough to support Geno Smith, they won’t be enough to compete in a loaded AFC West. Pete Carroll has a gift for getting the most out of young wide receivers, so perhaps history can repeat itself in the desert. Malachi Corley didn’t do much for the Jets, but perhaps Carroll can bring out the best in the second-year pro.
Los Angeles Chargers
Staying in the AFC West, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win games with a competitive defense and a strong running game. However, if he wants to keep up with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, he must find better receivers. Malachi Corley may not be the most well-rounded player at his position, but the Jets receiver has promise as a gadget player. Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman could use Corley as a scheme-specific player and pseudo running back with a handful of designated touches per game. This speed element should complement what should be a ferocious downhill rushing attack led by Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale – Imagn Images
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