Detroit Lions fans haven't had much to cheer about ever since Week 18 ended. A late-season collapse has the Lions sitting on the outside of the postseason for the first time since the 2022 campaign, meaning the only reason Detroit fans have to keep watching the playoff action is a desire to see how far some of the franchise's former players will go.
Even though there aren't too many ex-Lions worth tracking at this stage of the playoffs, veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III happens to be one of the few who is. The 29-year-old defender just played a big role in the New England Patriots' Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans, giving him a legitimate chance to win a second Super Bowl ring next month.
Ex-Lions CB Carlton Davis III Playing a Huge Role in Patriots' Playoff Run
Davis wasn't a long-time Lion, having only spent the 2024 season with the franchise after a trade sent him to Detroit following six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His terrific effort last season pushed him out of the Lions' budget, resulting in a three-year, $60 million contract with the Patriots — a contract that looked worth every penny on Sunday afternoon.
Try as he might, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud couldn't get anything going against Davis. According to Pro Football Focus, while Stroud sent eight throws in the former Lion's direction, Davis only allowed three completions for 33 yards (zero after the catch) and an absurd 10.9 passer rating.
That's without mentioning how Davis had his first multi-pass-break-up performance since Week 13, or the fact that he also came down with two interceptions. That includes an impressive pick that the Miami, FL native managed to keep in bounds when he had no business doing so.
Unfortunately, Davis' electric performance against the Texans wasn't without tragedy. He was forced to leave the game in the second half with a head injury and was promptly ruled out for the rest of the game, per NFL insider Tom Pelissero, leaving his outlook to begin the week up in the air. Even if the Denver Broncos will be without quarterback Bo Nix, it's safe to say that the Patriots would rather play the AFC Championship Game with their second-best cornerback.
Despite his injury scare, seeing Davis thrive with the Patriots is bound to sting for Lions fans. Detroit's secondary was a mess for the majority of the 2025 season, and it would've been nice to have Davis, who — including the postseason — has limited opposing QBs to 48 completions on 80 targets (60.0%) for 491 yards, four TDs, and an 83.9 passer rating, while recording 61 solo tackles, 12 pass break-ups, and two INTs.
Instead of helping end the Motor City's championship drought, Davis has a legitimate chance to add another Lombardi Trophy to his and the Patriots' collection. The Nix-less Broncos provide an open path back to the big dance, while the NFC isn't exactly offering the most imposing contenders this year. If all his stars align, Davis could win his first Super Bowl ring since he won with the Bucs almost five years ago.
With how miserable the season ended, Lions fans need feel-good stories like Davis' to keep their hopes high. Let's see if he can get healthy and back on the field, where the Patriots will need him if they want to finish the campaign atop the mountain.