5 Lions Leaving Detroit in the New Year

CB Carlton Davis

This is one of the toughest decisions the Lions have to make in the offseason. Davis is a pending free agent as his three-year, $45 million contract he signed when he was with the Bucs expires in 2025.

Considering how well he has performed since joining the Lions, the team would ideally want to retain him if it is financially feasible. Plus, the team traded a third-round pick for him just last offseason, so they likely thought they would have him for longer than a one-year rental.

Davis' 2024 performance complicates things. Per PFF, the veteran cornerback had the best season of his career with a 74.5 grade. In 13 starts, he had two interceptions, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries while only allowing a 55.3 completion rate and 77 passer rating when targeted. He has undoubtedly been the best cornerback in Detroit's rotation.

However, he is currently out with a fractured jaw. He will miss the first few rounds of the postseason. This provides an opportunity for the rest of the Lions' CB room. Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson have disappointed so far this season. Arnold has been one of the worst-graded players in his position.

But the Lions just used a first-round pick on the Alabama product in the 2024 NFL Draft. They will not want to give up on him so fast. If Arnold and Robertson show some flashes in the postseason, the Lions may feel better about not breaking the bank for Davis.

Davis is 28 years old. Giving out lucrative long-term deals to cornerbacks approaching 30 is generally not a good idea. The Lions may prefer to draft another cornerback or hope for internal development depending on how the rest of this season goes.