2025 Detroit Lions Free Agent Profile: Why Carlton Davis is Key to Stabilizing the Cornerback Position
As the Detroit Lions prepare for the 2025 offseason, they face an important decision regarding their cornerback position, a key area where the team has had turnover in recent years. One player who has emerged as a strong option to provide stability is Carlton Davis. The Lions traded for Davis in 2024 after realizing that former cornerback Cam Sutton wasn’t the long-term solution for the No. 1 corner role. Now, Davis is set to hit free agency, and his performance last season makes him one of the top candidates to return to Detroit.
Expectations Heading Into 2024
When Detroit traded for Carlton Davis in March 2024, the move signaled the team’s desire to solidify its cornerback position. After trading a 2024 third-round pick for him, the Lions were confident that Davis would step into the No. 1 corner role—a position that had been in flux since the previous season. While Davis had been a staple of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense, including thriving in man coverage and against the run, his injury history remained a concern. Despite those risks, the Lions’ need for a true No. 1 cornerback made the acquisition worthwhile.
Role in 2024
In his first season with Detroit, Davis immediately became the Lions’ top cornerback. He started all 13 games he played, totaling 56 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 11 passes defended. His physical style of play, which includes excelling against the run and making critical tackles, proved to be a valuable asset in Aaron Glenn’s defense. Davis’ performance earned praise from head coach Dan Campbell, who acknowledged how impactful his presence was, especially in terms of his ability to cover top receivers and contribute to the run game.
However, Davis’ season was cut short after a fractured jaw in Week 15. Despite the injury, he had solidified his role as the team’s No. 1 cornerback and demonstrated his worth on the field.
Outlook for 2025: Should the Lions Re-sign Davis?
As an unrestricted free agent, Davis is at a pivotal point in his career. The Lions will need to decide whether to re-sign him to provide stability in a cornerback room that still lacks a clear-cut No. 1 option long-term. Although the team has young corners like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, neither is fully ready to assume the No. 1 corner role just yet. Re-signing Davis would give the Lions a reliable veteran to anchor the position while those younger players continue to develop.
However, the injury concerns surrounding Davis, combined with the price tag he could command, are significant considerations. His injury history, having missed significant time in past seasons, raises questions about his durability moving forward. The Lions would need to weigh his potential impact against the cost and risk involved in re-signing him.
Cost and Conclusion
Davis is likely to seek a multi-year deal worth $45-$50 million, similar to contracts recently signed by top cornerbacks in the league. If the Lions opt to let him walk, they could face a difficult challenge in finding a comparable No. 1 cornerback through free agency. Given the shortage of available top-tier cornerbacks and Davis’ ability to perform at a high level when healthy, re-signing him may be the best option to stabilize the position in 2025.
Ultimately, the Lions will have to decide if the investment in Davis is worth the potential rewards of maintaining a proven cornerback. If the team believes they can manage his injury concerns while securing a key piece for their defense, bringing him back could prove to be a wise decision.
Lions 2025 Free Agent Spotlight: Carlton Davis Could Be Key to Fixing CB Position
