One of the most important pending free agents the Detroit Lions have is cornerback Carlton Davis, who served in a key role and played well in 2024 before he came down with an injury that ended his season.
Davis served as the No. 1 cornerback for the Lions and was a key veteran presence opposite Terrion Arnold, who showed plenty of promise during his rookie season. The former Super Bowl champion posted some of the best coverage numbers of his career, with Davis giving up a completion rate of 55.3% and a passer rating of 77.0.
As important as Davis was to the Lions, his future is very much up in the air as he hits free agency. It isn’t clear if Detroit wants him back, but the team could very well let him walk with Ennis Rakestraw Jr. waiting in the wings to start in 2025.
As we wait for the next move from Davis and the Lions, the veteran corner took to social media to make it clear he won’t be taking any discount and is ready to help upgrade a defense if the price is right.
Davis is definitely a difference-maker, but he does come with a major concern. After suffering a fractured jaw last season, Davis once again missed multiple games, something he has done in every season of his career.
If there’s one thing that could hurt his stock on the open market, it’s that. Even still, he’s one of the best cornerbacks available in free agency this offseason and he will certainly draw plenty of interest and get paid.
Spotrac thinks Davis will make around what he did with the Lions in 2024, with the outlet projecting a three-year deal that pays him $13.8 million per. But it sounds like Davis is looking for a raise, so he is likely going to want more than that.
With two young cornerbacks in line to start, it would make sense for the Lions to sign a veteran cornerback. However, if he’s looking for a significant raise, chances are the Lions won’t bite.
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are looking to spend around $12 million annually on a veteran cornerback. Davis is going to command more than that, so his days in Detroit could be numbered.
