Could Gabe Davis Have a Breakout Season with Bills?

For the last 3 seasons with the Bills, WR Gabe Davis has had his ups and downs.  Every season starts with the same question: will this be Gabe Davis’ breakout season? Davis’ “boom or bust” production rate keeps this possibility in the balance again for the 2023 season. There are a few main points to focus on when considering Davis’ potential this season.

1.  Contract Year Phenomenon

Gabe Davis signed a 4-year, 3.9 million dollar contract with the Bills in 2020.  This makes the 2023 season his final year with the Bills if they don’t offer a contract extension.  This looming uncertainty tends to push players to show their worth and bring all they have to offer in the contract year.  Additionally, there hasn’t been a ton of talk of Davis’ extension on the Bills’ end.  It’s highly likely that the Bills are awaiting Davis’ production this year to make a decision.  The Bills will need to see big plays from Davis this season if he wants to secure an extension, especially given the up-and-coming additions in the WR department this offseason.  

2.  Consistency is KEY

A big talking point when analyzing Gabe Davis’ career is his lack of consistency.  Last season, Davis missed the second game of the season with a high ankle sprain.  Following the injury, Davis had a 42.8% completion rate for weeks 3-7.  But even with a less than impressive completion rate, Davis had 3 touchdowns during that span.  Of those 3 touchdowns, 1 included a whopping 98-yard reception.  An explosive play like that is what keeps the Gabe Davis hype going year after year.  Plays like that aren’t expected every game, but being a player that can be targeted and counted on is what brings true value in a player.  Above all, consistency is going to be Davis’ ticket to an extension.

WATCH: Gabe Davis talks 98-yard TD from 2022

3.  Camp/Preseason Performance

Gabe Davis’ training camp and preseason performance have sparked feelings of a potential breakout year for the WR as well.  In camp, Allen and Davis’ seemed to really hit a rhythm and Davis was the highlight of many practices. 

WATCH: Gabe Davis connects with Josh Allen for a TD pass

In the Bills preseason game last week Davis went 2 for 2 in receptions, going for 29 yards.  One of the receptions would have been a 35-yard play, but it was knocked back for a penalty.  This fire from Gabe Davis in the preseason is exactly what is needed as the regular season is on the horizon.

It seems Davis has all of the weapons he needs to have himself a successful 2023 season.   Even Stefon Diggs said in a press conference, “I feel like Gabe Davis will have a breakout year…he’s damn near a WR1 in my eyes”.  With free agency looming, pressure is on for Gabe Davis.