Steelers Now
The New York Jets are releasing former third-round pick Malachi Corley, just one year into his NFL tenure, according to a report by CBS Sports. Corley, who was a third-round pick out of Western Kentucky in the 2024 NFL Draft, played with current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers last season.
The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Corley has drawn comparisons to Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Deebo Samuel for his run-after-the-catch ability, but he did not have a productive rookie season.
Limited to nine games, Corley was targeted just three times by Rodgers last season, catching three passes for 16 yards. He also ran the ball twice for 26 yards.
In addition to Corley’s history with Rodgers, the Steeles also brought him in for a pre-draft visit last year, a sign the team could be interested in the rare second-year player to hit the waiver wire.
The Steelers also have a strong need at wide receiver, but probably not for a player like Corley, who would be limited to the slot, where the team already has Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson.
While Corley is a very different player than those two, the Steelers also already have a bigger-bodied receiver in Ben Skowronek, who unlike Corley, is also a key contributor on special teams.
With over 250 catches for nearly 3,000 yards and 29 touchdown grabs, his collegiate resume on paper was impressive. As a senior, 683 of Corley’s yards came after the catch, fifth-most in the NCAA.
Corley, like all players released over the final week of the NFL preseason, will be on waivers until Wednesday at noon.
The Steelers will play the Jets on Sept. 7 in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: WR with Aaron Rogers Connection Hits Waivers, Fit for Steelers?
