The Detroit Lions made significant upgrades to their secondary in the 2024 offseason by signing Amik Robertson, drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and acquiring Carlton Davis through a trade.
These moves have paid off, with the Lions’ secondary showing much more competitiveness this year compared to recent seasons. Davis, in particular, has been key as a starting boundary corner, allowing just a 55.3% completion rate and posting a passer rating of 77.0 when targeted. These stats represent the second-best completion rate of his career and his best passer rating to date.
However, it’s possible that Davis, who will be a free agent in 2025, has already played his final snap for the Lions. The veteran cornerback recently suffered a fractured jaw, which is expected to keep him sidelined for six weeks, potentially allowing him to return in time for the NFC Championship Game.
Still, Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed uncertainty about Davis’ return this season. “I’d say nothing has changed,” Campbell said regarding Davis’ status. “As of right now, it doesn’t look optimistic to get him back. Doesn’t mean he won’t, but I don’t foresee that right now.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine speculated that Davis could join the Baltimore Ravens. “The cornerback position has been a headache throughout the season for the Ravens,” Ballentine noted. “Adding Tre’Davious White in the middle of the campaign didn’t help, and Brandon Stephens has been a liability all year.
They have a good long-term answer in Nate Wiggins, but he’s still a rookie who has dealt with some injuries.” Ballentine continued, “The solution might lie in making a real investment in a veteran on a short-term contract. Carlton Davis has helped the Lions stabilize their secondary and could show up to do the same thing in Baltimore. Starting Davis and Wiggins on the outside while letting Marlon Humphrey man the slot could give the Ravens their ideal secondary.”
Given Davis’ strong performance and leadership, it’s likely the Lions would want to bring him back. However, they might view Rakestraw Jr. as a potential replacement for Davis, which could help them save money. That said, Rakestraw has been limited this season due to injury and playing time, making his readiness for a starting role in 2025 uncertain.
The potential interest from Baltimore makes sense, as the Ravens have struggled against the pass this season. Davis, a former Super Bowl winner, would offer an immediate upgrade to their secondary.
