A key focus for the Detroit Lions this offseason will be their choice regarding veteran starting cornerback Carlton Davis, who will enter free agency this offseason.
Davis was remarkable for the Lions in 2024 following his acquisition through a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Nonetheless, he encountered a recurring problem: Davis suffered an injury that sidelined him for a period and cut his season short.
The Lions probably want to bring Davis back, but their pursuit of him will likely depend on their intentions with Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who might be a starter in 2025.
Although Rakestraw Jr. is expected to begin in a cornerbacks group featuring Amik Robertson and Terrion Arnold, the Lions should consider adding a veteran backup since the verdict is still undecided on the Missouri player.
In an article proposing one free-agent acquisition for each team, The 33rd Team’s Marcus Mosher identifies Dallas Cowboys impending free-agent cornerback Jourdan Lewis for the Lions.
The ex-Michigan standout was a powerhouse for the Cowboys this season and likely experienced the finest season of his career. “He is a straightforward cornerback who excels in the slot,” Mosher noted. “Lewis is aging, and slot defenders typically don’t age very well.” Nonetheless, he is precisely the kind of player that Dan Campbell admires and would be a fantastic match for the Detroit Lions.
Lions supporters might recall Lewis due to his conflict with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who mentioned that the Cowboys’ potential free agent made “crazy” remarks while engaging in trash talk.
“He was speaking wildly and out of line,” St. Brown mentioned on The Pivot podcast. “Even [Lions receiver Jameson Williams] heard it, as well.” He was entering. At that moment, it’s as if I can’t comprehend his words. I’m attempting to create opportunities, secure the victory. I don’t have any concerns about him. However, when he begins speaking that way, it feels like, well, if I have the opportunity to eliminate him, (I will) eliminate him.”
A native of Michigan, Lewis replied, expressing that he is “dedicated to my work and I’m not interested in being friends with everyone, particularly a Detroit Lion who isn’t from Detroit.”
Lewis referred to St. Brown as a “b****” in a direct message that St. Brown revealed publicly. Evidently, there is no affection remaining between these two, and much would need to be resolved before the Lions could even consider bringing Lewis on board.
Setting all that aside for a moment, Lewis would be a solid match with the Lions. As Mosher points out, he plays in the slot, providing Detroit a backup for whoever takes that position in 2025, whether it’s Robertson or Rakestraw.
Mosher predicts Lewis will get a one-year contract worth $8 million. Although the Lions have the $46.5 million in cap space for 2025, that appears somewhat excessive for a player who would probably be a No. 4 option.
Nonetheless, compensating Lewis that amount for a single-year contract would make it somewhat more palatable, given there’s no extended obligation. Additionally, the Lions will prioritize depth even further this year following the numerous injuries the team faced in 2024.