By Sunday 
Marcus Davenport’s future in Detroit might hinge on a single draft weekend
A Seat Warmer or a Starter?
In the world of NFL roster moves, some signings spark buzz. Others simply raise eyebrows. When the Detroit Lions brought back Marcus Davenport, it was the latter. No parades, no confetti. Just cautious shrugs and whispered doubts about whether this was the answer for a struggling pass rush.
Now, as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one thing has become crystal clear—Davenport is sitting on the hottest seat in Detroit. And he might want to keep his boxes taped.
The Wrong Side of a One-for-One
The Lions’ decision to release Za’Darius Smith while re-signing Davenport drew confusion—and not just from fans. GM Brad Holmes explained it with a casual “we couldn’t afford it,” referencing Smith’s bonus-heavy deal. Fair enough. But affordability isn’t the same as value.
Davenport, after all, played a grand total of four games in 2023 due to injury. Smith, though aging, still offered consistent pressure. If the Lions were choosing between the two, the scale seemed tilted in the wrong direction.
Dan Campbell’s Optimism… and Reality
Lions head coach Dan Campbell hasn’t sounded the alarm. In fact, he’s kept his usual gritty tone, speaking positively about what Davenport could be. But “could” is doing a lot of work here.
If the season kicked off today, Davenport would be starting opposite Aidan Hutchinson. That alone should terrify fans and maybe even motivate the front office to act aggressively in the draft.
What the Numbers Say (And Don’t)
Pro Football Focus still offers Davenport some grace. Ryan Smith listed him as one of five players with the most to gain or lose in the draft:
“Davenport… enjoyed five productive years in New Orleans… His path to playing time becomes a lot clearer if Detroit does not target an edge defender early in the draft.”
That’s technically true. But “productive” might be generous. In two of those “productive” years, he combined for just 2 sacks. And since 2022, he’s logged a total of 207 snaps. That’s less than some backups see in half a season.
Injuries have been his shadow—ankle in 2023, triceps in 2024. Betting on him to last a full year is like betting on Detroit winters to be sunny and warm.
Draft Day Could Bring a Storm
The Lions have three picks in the top 102. It wouldn’t be shocking if they use one—or two—on edge rushers. In fact, they’ve done this before: multiple edges in 2022, two corners this year. Brad Holmes loves a good positional double dip.
Even if Detroit only adds one edge rusher, the writing’s on the wall for Davenport. He’ll be competing for reps and possibly clinging to a backup role by Week 1.
A Veteran with Something to Prove
To be fair, there is a version of this story where Davenport stays healthy and flashes the explosiveness that made him a first-round pick. That version just hasn’t shown up in a while.
For now, his best-case scenario might be “bridge starter.” Worst case? Out of the rotation before Halloween.
So yes, Marcus Davenport is technically re-signed. But until the draft dust settles, he might want to leave that welcome mat rolled up.