To many fans' dismay, the Detroit Lions front office has stood steadfast on their belief about not needing another pass rusher this offseason. Thus, leaving Aidan Hutchinson to pair with a lot of the same players in 2025 that he did in 2024. Marcus Davenport, who is entering his eighth NFL season, is currently slated to start opposite of Hutchinson.
The 28-year-old pass rusher missed most of the 2024 season due to a season-ending triceps injury. This is one of many injuries Davenport has sustained throughout his career, leaving many fans worried heading into this season. Therefore, to ease these worries, he must put together a strong training camp and remain healthy in 2025.
Marcus Davenport Needs a Strong Training Camp to Get Back in Lions Fans' Good Graces
Let's get one thing straight, Davenport seems to be in no danger of losing his starting spot, no matter how much Lions fans would like to replace him. Instead, putting together a strong training camp might excite fans for what he could bring to the team in 2025.
Before suffering the triceps injury, the 28-year-old played in two games, recording two tackles and half a sack. Furthermore, Davenport tallied two quarterback hits, three quarterback hurries and seven quarterback pressures, according to PFF. Though that's a very small sample size, that's not the type of pass rush fans want to pair with Hutchinson.
Prior to joining the Lions, Davenport has played with the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings. During his time with those two franchises, he sustained multiple injuries. With Minnesota in 2023, Davenport suffered a high ankle in week 6 that caused him to miss the rest of the season.
Moreover, in five years with the Saints, the 28-year-old suffered toe, foot, pectoral, elbow and shoulder injuries. However, he only sustained one season-ending injury in New Orleans, which was during Week 13 of the 2019 season. This caused him to miss four games.
Even so, he has shown to be productive when he sees the field. In 2019, Davenport recorded six sacks, 10 QB hits, 35 QB hurries and 71 QB pressures. Then, during the 2021 season, he recorded nine sacks, six quarterback hits, 27 QB hurries and 42 QB pressures
Still, given Davenport's long list of injuries, it's no surprise Lions fans aren't as high on him as the front office seems to be. Nevertheless, if he is able to put together a strong training camp and stay healthy for most of the season, Hutchinson and he could be a good duo.