With the Detroit Lions losing both their coordinators, Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, it will be intriguing to see if any of their assistants or players follow them to their new roles. Johnson has joined the Chicago Bears, while Glenn has taken a position with the New York Jets, and rumors have already surfaced about potential Lions staff members making the move with them.
One possibility could involve Lions cornerback Carlton Davis, who is about to become a free agent after completing a one-year, $14.5 million deal with Detroit. Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron suggests the Jets could be the ideal destination for Davis. “Before a broken jaw in Week 15 cut his season short, Davis was a standout in the Lions secondary,” Cameron noted. “Through 15 weeks, his 11 forced incompletions ranked ninth in the NFL, highlighting his ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks.” Cameron further explained, “Reuniting with former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, now the Jets’ head coach, could be the perfect move for Davis. Glenn’s aggressive schemes, which often rely on press coverage, play to Davis’ strengths.”
Davis had shown his effectiveness in press coverage, allowing only seven open targets in such situations. However, the Jets’ pursuit of him will depend on the status of D.J. Reed, who has been a standout No. 2 cornerback opposite Sauce Gardner but is also entering free agency. Reed has expressed his intention to test the market, saying, “I’m ready to go to free agency, bro. I’m ready to see what’s next for me,” during an interview on the Go Long podcast.
Davis had an impressive 2024 season until his injury, with a completion rate of just 55.3% and a passer rating of 77.0 when targeted. He could make an ideal replacement for Reed, given his solid performance. However, Davis has struggled with injuries throughout his career, having never played a full season and missing at least two games in each of his seasons. He hasn’t played more than 13 games since 2020.
The Lions may also be interested in re-signing Davis, particularly due to concerns over second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who faced challenges in his first season with Detroit due to injury. Lions general manager Brad Holmes commented, “I thought we got very good play from him. I will be honest, I thought that he played better this year than he did the year before, that last year in Tampa, and he’ll tell you that too.”
Given Glenn’s new role in New York, he might look to add a veteran player like Davis to bolster his defense. Davis would not only be a solid No. 2 cornerback for the Jets but also bring leadership to the locker room.
