4 NFL players who are thriving despite having fifth-year options declined

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 13: Offensive tackle Garett Bolles #72 of the Denver Broncos blocks linebacker Reggie Gilbert #93 of the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on October 13, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 13: Offensive tackle Garett Bolles #72 of the Denver Broncos blocks linebacker Reggie Gilbert #93 of the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on October 13, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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4 NFL players who are thriving despite having fifth-year options declined
Corey Davis #84 of the Tennessee Titans (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Corey Davis, WR, Tennessee Titans

Corey Davis was a riskier pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, as he played at Western Michigan and went up against less talented defenses. Be that as it may, the Tennessee Titans utilized their No. 5 pick on him that year, hoping he could be the weapon Marcus Mariota needed (remember, this was 2017).

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Davis disappointed greatly, tallying just 375 yards as a rookie. 2018 was a better season for him, but he regressed in 2019 and it wasn’t surprising at all when Tennessee declined his fifth-year option. He hadn’t lived up to his No. 5 draft status and that’s why the organization felt okay with moving on from him.

Well, Davis used that as motivation and has been a rockstar in 2020. The former Western Michigan standout has hauled in 60 receptions for 945 yards and five touchdowns. The yardage and touchdowns are both career highs and Davis has a chance to go over 1,000 yards on the season depending on how he does in the season finale.

With the team moving on from Mariota last season and fully handing things over to Ryan Tannehill, it’s clear that has been a big help in Davis’ production. Now the Titans need to do whatever they can to keep him and A.J. Brown together because they’re a lethal duo at the wide receiver spot.