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

The YAC king has lost his crown.

The Jets will waive wide receiver Malachi Corley on Tuesday, a source confirmed, 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.

The Jets drafted Corley 65th overall 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.