What Contract Could Lions Offer Marcus Davenport?
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, the Detroit Lions find themselves in an interesting position. With a growing sense of optimism surrounding their roster and a strong desire to build a competitive team, the Lions may be looking to add a high-impact player like Marcus Davenport to their defensive lineup. Davenport, a talented pass rusher with immense potential, could be the missing piece for the Lions’ defense as they work to establish themselves as a contender in the NFC. However, the question remains: what contract could the Lions offer Marcus Davenport to secure his services and help boost their defensive line?
Who is Marcus Davenport?
Before diving into potential contract scenarios, it’s important to understand the player the Lions would be targeting. Marcus Davenport is a 26-year-old defensive end who was drafted in the first round (14th overall) by the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing in at 265 pounds, Davenport possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him an intriguing prospect for any team looking to bolster their pass rush.
Throughout his career, Davenport has flashed significant potential, earning a reputation as a disruptive force on the edge. While he has dealt with some injury setbacks, when healthy, Davenport has shown the ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and affect the game in a meaningful way. Over the course of his career, Davenport has recorded 21 sacks and 50 quarterback hits, providing glimpses of his upside as a top-tier pass rusher. However, Davenport has yet to fully put it all together for an extended stretch, making him an interesting but somewhat risky proposition for a team looking to invest in him long-term.
The Lions’ Defensive Needs
The Detroit Lions have made strides under head coach Dan Campbell, but their defense has been one area in which they continue to search for consistency and improvement. With players like Aidan Hutchinson emerging as potential stars on the defensive line, the Lions are in a prime position to build a formidable front-seven that can pressure quarterbacks and disrupt opposing offenses.
Davenport could be the perfect complement to Hutchinson, as the Lions need someone who can generate pressure on the opposite edge and provide a consistent pass-rushing threat. While Hutchinson was a standout rookie in 2022, Davenport could provide the additional depth and talent necessary to take the defense to the next level. His ability to create pressure from the edge would allow Hutchinson to focus on his strengths and elevate the overall defensive unit.
Contract Situation and Market Value
Davenport enters the 2025 offseason as a potential free agent, and given his blend of size and athleticism, he will likely attract significant interest from multiple teams, including the Lions. However, his injury history and lack of consistent production might prevent him from commanding a top-tier contract like some of the league’s elite pass rushers. Still, Davenport’s upside could make him a strong candidate for a mid-tier to high-tier contract if a team is willing to take a chance on his potential.
In terms of market value, Davenport’s contract would likely fall somewhere in the range of $10-15 million per year. This estimate comes from looking at the contracts of similar players in recent years. For instance, players like Leonard Floyd, who signed a one-year deal worth $9 million with the Los Angeles Rams, and Haason Reddick, who secured a three-year, $45 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, provide a good benchmark for what Davenport could command on the open market. Considering his age and upside, Davenport could aim for a contract closer to the $15 million per year range, though the specifics of the deal would depend on the structure and terms agreed upon by both parties.
Potential Contract Offer from the Lions
When crafting a potential contract offer for Marcus Davenport, the Lions will need to balance their desire to improve the defense with their salary cap situation. Detroit has some flexibility, but they also have several key players to consider extending in the near future, including their young star, Aidan Hutchinson. Keeping this in mind, the Lions may offer Davenport a deal that provides him with a solid salary but also has performance-based incentives to protect the team financially if Davenport struggles to stay healthy or produce at a high level.
One potential structure for a contract offer could be a three-year deal worth $42 million. This would provide Davenport with an average annual salary of $14 million, a figure that places him among the mid-to-upper tier of pass rushers but not quite in the elite category. The contract could include $18 million in guaranteed money, which would offer Davenport security while also protecting the Lions if his performance or injury history raises concerns.
In addition, the contract could include incentives tied to sack numbers, quarterback hits, and overall defensive performance. If Davenport stays healthy and performs at a high level, he could earn additional money through these incentives, pushing the total value of the deal closer to $45 million or more. This structure would allow the Lions to incentivize Davenport to reach his potential while also providing them with flexibility if things don’t go according to plan.
Why Davenport Makes Sense for the Lions
Davenport’s potential fit with the Lions is a logical one for several reasons. First, Detroit is looking to improve its pass rush and build a defensive front capable of competing with some of the league’s most potent offenses. Adding a player like Davenport could help take the pressure off Hutchinson and create a more balanced pass rush.
Second, the Lions may be able to acquire Davenport on a relatively reasonable contract given his injury history and inconsistency. While he has shown flashes of greatness, Davenport hasn’t yet fully developed into the elite pass rusher many thought he could be. This presents an opportunity for the Lions to take a calculated risk on a player with a lot of upside but not the same level of financial commitment as some of the top pass rushers in the league.
Finally, bringing in a player like Davenport could also help to build the culture the Lions are striving for under Campbell. Davenport’s work ethic and hunger to improve could mesh well with the team’s ethos, and his competitive spirit could provide the added motivation needed to take the defense to new heights.
Conclusion: A High-Risk, High-Reward Move
Ultimately, offering Marcus Davenport a contract is a high-risk, high-reward proposition for the Detroit Lions. While the player has shown promise, his injury concerns and lack of consistent production over the years make him a somewhat uncertain investment. However, given his potential and the need for a strong pass rush in Detroit, the Lions could be willing to take a chance on Davenport if the terms are right.
A contract in the range of $10-15 million per year with incentives for performance would likely represent a fair offer for both sides. If Davenport stays healthy and performs up to his potential, he could become a cornerstone piece of the Lions’ defense for years to come, helping them compete in the NFC and pushing them toward playoff contention.
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, the Detroit Lions find themselves in an interesting position. With a growing sense of optimism surrounding their roster and a strong desire to build a competitive team, the Lions may be looking to add a high-impact player like Marcus Davenport to their defensive lineup. Davenport, a talented pass rusher with immense potential, could be the missing piece for the Lions’ defense as they work to establish themselves as a contender in the NFC. However, the question remains: what contract could the Lions offer Marcus Davenport to secure his services and help boost their defensive line?
Who is Marcus Davenport?
Before diving into potential contract scenarios, it’s important to understand the player the Lions would be targeting. Marcus Davenport is a 26-year-old defensive end who was drafted in the first round (14th overall) by the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing in at 265 pounds, Davenport possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him an intriguing prospect for any team looking to bolster their pass rush.
Throughout his career, Davenport has flashed significant potential, earning a reputation as a disruptive force on the edge. While he has dealt with some injury setbacks, when healthy, Davenport has shown the ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and affect the game in a meaningful way. Over the course of his career, Davenport has recorded 21 sacks and 50 quarterback hits, providing glimpses of his upside as a top-tier pass rusher. However, Davenport has yet to fully put it