By Moses Joshua 
Despite years of inconsistency and health setbacks, Detroit seems ready to roll the dice on Marcus Davenport — and the gamble could define their pass rush ceiling.
A Glaring Hole, An Uncertain Answer
Heading into the 2025 season, the Detroit Lions have addressed nearly every major need on their roster — except one. For all the growth and playoff ambitions under Dan Campbell, there’s a noticeable gap across from star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The team’s pass rush depth remains thin, and relying on Hutchinson alone — especially after a major leg injury — is a dangerous bet.
Detroit’s only notable move to address this? Drafting Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein, a promising but unproven rookie who will need time to develop. Meanwhile, one name continues to surface as the likely fill-in: Marcus Davenport.
It’s not a move made out of abundance — it’s a move made out of faith.
Davenport: High Ceiling, Fragile Floor
At 29 years old, Davenport has become something of an NFL enigma. Once a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, he showed flashes of brilliance early in his career with seasons of 6 and 9 sacks. But the last two years have been a blur of setbacks and sideline appearances. He’s suited up for just six games total since the start of 2023.
Still, the Lions coaching staff appears undeterred. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard recently told OnSI’s John Maakaron that Davenport’s ability is not in question — just his health.
“We all know the only obstacle for Davenport is the health and availability. It’s never had anything to do with his play,” Sheppard said. “And he’s had some setbacks in his career, but I’ve watched that player take no days off this offseason.”
That kind of optimism is contagious, but it’s also risky. For a franchise trying to move beyond moral victories and into true contender status, hoping for health isn’t a plan — it’s a prayer.
The Gamble Could Shape Detroit’s Season
If Davenport returns to form, Detroit may have stumbled into a low-cost replacement for departed veteran Za’Darius Smith. At his peak, Davenport’s production aligns with Smith’s 2024 output — and that would be a win for both the cap and the depth chart.
But if he breaks down again? The Lions will find themselves scrambling in-season, hoping a rookie or waiver-wire addition can generate consistent pressure — a tough ask for any team with postseason goals.
The Bottom Line
Marcus Davenport is the ultimate wild card for Detroit in 2025. His upside is undeniable. His availability, unfortunately, is too.
The Lions believe he’s ready for a bounce-back year. But belief only goes so far. In the NFL trenches, durability is production — and for now, the Lions are banking more on hope than history.
Would you trust Marcus Davenport to stay healthy for a full season?