Following an unexpected season-ending defeat to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, the Detroit Lions are shifting their focus to the 2025 offseason, where they face a significant challenge: managing a roster with 33 pending free agents, including 23 unrestricted ones.
A key player among these free agents is cornerback Carlton Davis, who joined the Lions from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2024 offseason.
Davis had a strong first season with Detroit, recording notable stats with a completion rate allowed of just 55.3% and a passer rating of 77.0 against him, both of which were among his career bests.
However, his time with the Lions was again marred by injuries, as he failed to play a full season due to a fractured jaw, a rare but serious setback. His inability to stay healthy has been a significant concern.
“The ex-2018 second-rounder will be looking for another big-time contract this offseason. Spotrac projects that he could earn about $13.8 million annually on the open market, and while the Lions have over $69.7 million to spend, they might not want to shell out big bucks for a cornerback who’s nearly 30 years old,” wrote Devon Platana of Detroit Jock City.
“If Davis demands too much money, the Lions won’t hesitate to let him walk. There’s already a mixture of reliable and up-and-coming CBs under contract, meaning Detroit can afford to lose him.”
The decision to re-sign Davis will depend on several factors, particularly financial ones. Davis is likely to seek a substantial, long-term deal, which may not align with the Lions’ strategy, given his age and injury history.
Furthermore, the development of rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. plays an important role in this decision. Rakestraw was expected to be a potential in-house replacement for Davis, but his injury-plagued first season has left his abilities largely untested:
With Rakestraw’s performance still uncertain, the Lions are likely to seek a veteran presence in their secondary. While this doesn’t rule out a return for Davis, the team may explore other options or negotiate terms that align with their financial and team-building goals.
As the Lions prepare for the 2025 free agency period, the choices they make, especially regarding players like Carlton Davis, will play a critical role in determining how they aim to bounce back and improve on this season’s performance.
Whether or not Davis returns to the Honolulu Blue, Detroit’s front office faces a busy offseason ahead to ensure the team remains competitive in the years to come.
