The Detroit Lions have a plethora of key defensive players set to hit the free agency market this offseason, including cornerback Carlton Davis.
The veteran was traded to Detroit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last offseason and started 13 games for the Lions before fracturing his jaw in the team’s Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Though Davis’ season-ending injury in mid-December is incredibly frustrating, the 28-year-old should still have a competitive market in free agency. Davis snagged two interceptions with 11 passes defended in 2024 and also allowed just a 59.7% completion rate and 87.9 passer rating when targeted on 72 targets.
The former Auburn Tiger is one of the best defensive backs on the free agency market this offseason, and Pro Football Focus projects Davis will land a three-year contract worth $42 million with $25 million guaranteed. That works out to an annual average of $14 million.
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded Davis to the Lions in the offseason, and he provided immediate stability to a young Detroit secondary that badly needed it after the defense endured an unfathomable number of injuries in 2024, most notably to Defensive Player of the Year front-runner Aidan Hutchinson,” PFF wrote. “Davis, too, suffered a season-ending injury — a fractured jaw that ended his season after Week 15.”
Davis would add a ton of value to a contender, as he is a savvy veteran with a ton of playoff experience and has started in 88 games since entering the league in 2018.
Though he is coming off a significant injury, Lions general manager Brad Holmes should look to re-sign Davis. He was one of the better defenders on the team this season and is a high-level starting corner who is also not afraid to get involved in the run game.
Davis will have plenty of suitors in free agency and should land a lucrative contract. It wouldn’t be a shock if he signs a deal worth more than PFF’s projection of $14 million annually.
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