The final game remaining in the 2024 NFL season is the Super Bowl, and free agency will begin in just over a month. The Detroit Lions will be a team worth observing during this offseason.
The squad faced a devastating defeat in the playoff divisional round against the Washington Commanders, shattering their Super Bowl dreams. Subsequently, the team saw both coordinators leave for head coaching positions, with Ben Johnson going to the Chicago Bears and Aaron Glenn heading to the New York Jets.
Achieving success again in the NFL is not assured at all. The Lions face significant tasks ahead if they aim to reach the postseason and secure a Super Bowl victory in 2025, which involves maintaining the team’s core. A significant contributor from 2024 who might not return is cornerback Carlton Davis.
Prior to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded Davis, along with two sixth-round picks, to the Lions in exchange for a third-round selection.
Davis proceeded to have a great season, securing 56 tackles and two interceptions. He also recorded the highest passer rating allowed (77.0) and the second-highest completion percentage allowed (55.3) of his career.
Nonetheless, Davis is entering free agency, and the Lions will face tough competition for his talents. TWSN’s Nik Shallon thinks the 28-year-old will eventually return to his old team, the Bucs. Concerning a potential Davis-Bucs reunion, Shallon provided this analysis:
“Following a strong season with the Lions, Davis is a free agent again, and why not consider a reunion in Tampa Bay,” Shallon stated. “The Buccaneers had a solid season but ultimately came up short against the Commanders in the Wild Card.” Davis would experience an easy return to Tampa since he is familiar with the defensive scheme as if it were second nature, given that Todd Bowles remains the head coach, which might create mutual interest in bringing Carlton Davis back.
“Even though his season ended prematurely due to a jaw injury in week 15, he had a solid year with a 73.4 coverage grade on PFF and an 84.4 grade for throws within 3 yards,” Shallon remarked. “Carlton would bring experienced leadership and serve as one of the defensive captains, and since the Buccaneers have just over 20 million in cap space, this reunion could be financially viable.”
Davis spent six seasons with the Bucs, accumulating 324 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and nine interceptions during that time. As stated earlier, the corner is accustomed to the system in Tampa Bay and might find the idea of returning appealing.
Nonetheless, the Lions possess greater anticipated cap space compared to the Bucs, allowing the team to potentially offer more for Davis’ services. According to Over the Cap, the Lions are estimated to possess approximately $46 million in cap space, while the Bucs are expected to have about $2 million.
The Lions’ decision to re-sign Davis will hinge on their level of confidence in 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to take on the starting role. If Detroit thinks he isn’t prepared, they might re-sign Davis.