By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s biggest defensive gamble is backfiring again — and it might force the front office to revisit the trade market before it’s too late.
The Cost of Rolling the Dice on Marcus Davenport
The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 season believing they were just one or two smart moves away from taking that final step toward Super Bowl contention. Sitting at 5-2 entering their bye week, the team has looked every bit like a contender — but not without turbulence. Some of their offseason decisions have made the journey bumpier than necessary, and none stand out more than their choice to re-sign edge rusher Marcus Davenport.
The Lions bet on familiarity over fresh talent, bringing back Davenport despite an injury-plagued first stint in Detroit. They believed a healthy version of the former first-round pick could add punch to their already ferocious front. Instead, the move has once again come back to haunt them.
Davenport’s Unending Injury Struggles
Davenport’s career has been a frustrating cycle of promise and pain. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2018, he’s flashed elite potential with standout seasons like his nine-sack campaign in 2021. But durability has never been his ally.
After managing just four games with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 due to an ankle injury, Detroit offered him a one-year, $6.5 million “prove-it” deal in 2024. That gamble ended almost immediately. Davenport suffered a groin injury in Week 1 and a triceps tear two weeks later — a brutal blow that left the Lions scrambling for depth.
Still, the Lions doubled down in 2025, re-signing him to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, hoping lightning would finally strike twice in Motown. But lightning doesn’t usually hit the same spot — and when it does, it burns. Davenport lasted just two games before going down again, this time with a shoulder injury.
According to Pro Football Focus, Davenport posted a 62.8 overall grade with only two pressures on 29 pass-rushing snaps before getting hurt — hardly the impact Detroit was banking on.
What Could Have Been
Hindsight is always 20/20, but the Lions had alternatives. Productive and affordable edge rushers like Joshua Uche, who signed with the Eagles for just $1.9 million, were available. Others, like Trey Hendrickson or even Myles Garrett, were rumored trade targets — the type of proven difference-makers who could elevate Detroit’s defense from good to elite.
Instead, Detroit’s loyalty to Davenport and belief in a redemption arc may have cost them valuable early-season stability. While Al-Quadin Muhammad has admirably stepped up opposite Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ depth at defensive end remains thin.
What’s Next for Detroit
The Lions’ front office faces a difficult reality: Davenport can’t be counted on to stay healthy. His expected return after the bye offers little comfort, given his track record and inconsistency when on the field.
With the November 4 trade deadline looming, general manager Brad Holmes may need to act fast to fortify the edge rotation. The Lions have proven they can compete with anyone, but championship teams don’t rely on hope — they rely on depth and reliability.
If Detroit wants to make a legitimate run at the NFC crown, correcting their biggest offseason mistake might be the first step.