The Detroit Lions had a primary goal last offseason, which was to revamp the secondary. They accomplished this through two significant actions. Exchanging a third-round selection for Carlton Davis and signing Amik Robertson.
Davis had an excellent season with the Lions. One individual observed him permit passes to be intercepted only 59.7% of the time. He recorded six pass breakups and two interceptions. Sadly, he broke his jaw while playing against the Bills in Week 15.
The Lions face a SIGNIFICANT choice regarding one of their most electrifying playmakers…The Lions face a SIGNIFICANT choice regarding one of their most electrifying playmakers…
Robertson also enjoyed a significant inaugural season in Detroit. He permitted a reception rate of 57.5% and recorded seven pass breakups. No selections, however.
Before Davis got injured, it appeared to be an obvious choice to secure him a new contract following the 2024 season. Following the injury, Robertson took over his position and performed remarkably well as a starter. In four matches as the team’s CB1, Robertson permitted a reception rate of only 47.1% and recorded four pass breakups.
The standout performance occurred against Justin Jefferson in Week 18. A match where he limited Jefferson to three receptions for 54 yards out of nine attempts.
Now the question is, do you offer Davis a new contract or focus on extending Robertson’s deal? Ultimately, it may all boil down to price and price only.
We collaborated with cap specialist Joshua Queipo on forecasts for both trades, and here are our findings.
Carlton Davis’ updated contract
A three-year agreement valued at $52 million with $35 million guaranteed.
That’s a really good offer for Davis. That would rank him as the 13th highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, and it’s clear why he would earn that level of income. He has been a reliable cornerback in the NFL for quite a while, and the Lions appreciated what he contributed.
Amik Robertson’s contract extension
Two-year contract worth $11 million, including $5 million guaranteed.
That is a noticeably lesser deal, but you still get some great enjoyment from it. This would keep Robertson in Detroit until 2027.
What is it that you do? There’s a notion that you might be able to manage both, but when you factor in our estimated extension amount for another player in the secondary, Kerby Joseph’s projected four-year deal at $82 million raises questions about how much money you truly want to allocate to the secondary at this moment.
Additionally, Ennis Rakestraw is returning in good health. The initial plan for him was to begin at the nickel position early in the season until an injury significantly altered his year.
This clearly directs us to the conclusion of allowing Carlton Davis to enter free agency and proceeding with Robertson, Terrion Arnold, and Rakestraw as your primary players, possibly selecting one or two additional players in the draft.