Jets waive Malachi Corley one year after ‘No matter what’ draft-day trade

The YAC King has lost his crown.

The Jets waived wide receiver Malachi Corley on Tuesday one year after drafting him in the third round.

Corley never found success with the Jets as a rookie and had a quiet spring and summer, making it tough for him to impress the new coaching staff.

Now, Corley was the most notable cut by the Jets as they trimmed their roster down to 53 players before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline.

The other interesting move was the team waiving undrafted rookie receiver/returner Jamaal Pritchett, who had some good moments in the spring and summer. The team chose to keep Xavier Gipson over him. Pritchett likely will return to the practice squad if he is not claimed. The Jets also cut receivers Brandon Smith and Quentin Skinner who had solid training camps.

That means the six Jets receivers are: Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, Tyler Johnson, Arian Smith and Gipson.

It never really felt like Corley had a chance of cracking that group this summer, as his stock fell quickly inside the Jets.

The Jets drafted Corley No. 65 overall in 2024 with much fanfare. They traded up to get him and after the draft released a text message on social media from then-coach Robert Saleh to then-general manager Joe Douglas that said “No Matter What” with a photo of Corley, a reference to the movie “Draft Day.”

Corley was known as the “YAC King” at Western Kentucky for his ability to get yards after the catch. That never materialized with the Jets. He played in nine games as a rookie. He had three catches for 16 yards and two rushes for 26 yards.

Corley’s most memorable moment as a Jet was a mistake. He dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line against the Texans, turning a would-be touchdown into a turnover.

There was a thought that Corley might be able to revive his career with a new coaching staff, but he was injured for most of the spring period. Then, in training camp Corley worked mostly with the third teamers. He had one catch in the preseason and was used as a backup kick returner.

It will be interesting to see if either of the men who drafted him try to bring him to their new teams. Douglas is now with the Eagles in their front office and Saleh is the defensive coordinator for the 49ers.

This roster will change, possibly as soon as Wednesday afternoon. Teams will find out which players they were awarded off waivers at noon on Wednesday. The Jets are No. 7 in the waiver claim order.

Here are some other thoughts about Tuesday’s roster moves:

One mild surprise was the team waiving cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse, a sixth-round pick in 2023. Bernard-Converse played well in the preseason and plays special teams. He and tackle Carter Warren joined tight end Zack Kuntz as 2023 draft picks getting cut this summer. There are only three of the seven members of that draft class still on the team. Linebacker Zaire Barnes survived cuts after being on the roster bubble.

Byron Cowart looked like a favorite to start at defensive tackle early in training camp but an ankle injury sidelined him for weeks and he was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Tuesday.

The story of last summer was undrafted free agent defensive linemen Leonard Taylor, Braiden McGregor and Eric Watts making the team. Watts was cut on Tuesday, ending his time with the Jets. None of this year’s undrafted free agents made the initial 53, but many will return on the practice squad. Linebacker Ja’Markis Weston was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.

Jets 53-man roster

Gang Green’s initial 53-man roster as of Tuesday, with changes expected before the season opener:

Quarterbacks

Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor

Running Backs

Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Breece Hall, Kene Nwangwu

Tight Ends

Jeremy Ruckert. Stone Smartt, Mason Taylor

Wide Receivers

Xavier Gipson, Tyler Johnson, Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, Arian Smith, Garrett Wilson

Fullback

Andrew Beck

Offensive linemen

Olu Fashanu, Marquis Hayes, Armand Membou, Max Mitchell, Josh Myers, Xavier Newman, Chukwuma Okorafor, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker

Defensive backs

Tony Adams, Michael Carter II, Andre Cisco, Sauce Gardner, Malachi Moore, Isaiah Oliver, Brandon Stephens, Qwan’tez Stiggers, Azareye’h Thomas

Defensive linemen

Tyler Baron, Jowon Briggs, Micheal Clemons, Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, Braiden McGregor, Harrison Phillips, Leonard Taylor, Jay Tufele, Quinnen Williams

Linebackers

Zaire Barnes, Francisco Mauigoa, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Jamien Sherwood, Quincy Williams

Special Teams

Nick Folk, Thomas Hennessy, Austin McNamara