The Detroit Lions were decimated by injuries throughout the 2024 season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. That is why the front office largely decided to bring back the same core from last year to give them another chance despite the defense completely collapsing down the stretch. Even though fans desperately wanted more significant additions to the roster, the Lions hope that being healthy will solve most of their woes from a season ago.
While that may very well be the case, Detroit's decision to bring back Marcus Davenport was still a head-scratcher. In his first season with the Lions, the 28-year-old defensive end suffered a season-ending triceps injury in Week 3. Considering that he missed all but four games with an ankle injury the year prior when he was with the Vikings, how much Davenport can contribute next season is a massive question mark.
After signing another one-year deal with the Lions, Davenport should have a large role in the pass rush rotation in 2025. Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal will likely get the start but Davenport should see significant snaps as things stand now.
However, Davenport's future with the team is hanging by a threat. The Lions will almost certainly add an edge defender through the draft. Plus, Al-Quadin Muhammad, who was a mid-season addition in 2024, was a better performer than Davenport and was just re-signed this offseason. Pat O'Connor was also brought back and Za'Darius Smith is still a possibility to return to Detroit.
This could push Davenport further down the pecking order. If he can't prove that he is healthy and performing at a high level during training camp, his future in Detroit may be questioned. Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen.