Malachi Corley was in position to occupy at least a rotational role in the Jets’ during his rookie campaign. Instead, he proved to essentially be a non-factor. 
2025 has seen the Jets bring in a regime other than the one which drafted Corley, a factor which often carries considerable weight in roster decisions. The 23-year-old made only nine appearances as a rookie, with his most memorable moment coming in a Thursday night game in which he prematurely dropped the ball and nullified what would have been a touchdown. Corley never managed to carve out a role, and he has been unable to do so this spring.
While dealing with an undisclosed injury, the Western Kentucky product has missed considerable time during the offseason (including the Jets’ recent minicamp). As a result, Corley is behind in terms of his acclimation to new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand‘s scheme. Between the missed reps, his lack of connection to the new decision-makers and his underwhelming rookie season, ESPN’s Rich Cimini writes Corley does not have a clearly defined role at this point, adding his roster spot is not a lock.
“There’s a plan for him, and we’re going to make sure that we try to utilize him to what he can do best, and we’ve seen that in college,” head coach Aaron Glenn said. “Hopefully, he gets well soon, and we get a chance to utilize his skillset.”
Corley did not showcase a strong route-running ability in college, but he was dynamic with respect to yards after the catch. A role as a gadget player on offense and/or as a returner would be sensible as a result, but the New York’s third-rounder from last April will need to impress during training camp to solidify a roster spot. The Jets’ WR depth chart no longer includes Davante Adams, although Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds and fourth-round rookie Arian Smith are in place. Xavier Gipson is in position to round out the receiver room but he could also handle return duties, something which would make it more challenging for Corley to lock down a spot.
The latter is attached to his rookie contract for the next three years, meaning he will provide the Jets with a cost-effective depth option provided he survives roster cutdowns. Unless Corley can return to full health in time for training camp and play his way into a defined role, though, he will face an uncertain future.