Free agency is right around the corner. Teams will get the opportunity to improve their rosters and speak to multiple players on the open market.
The legal tampering period opens up on March 10 at Noon EST. That will be the first chance teams and agents can begin negotiating a deal. With this rapidly approaching, rumors are being leaked, and the latest report on CB Carlton Davis isn't ideal for the Lions.
Per FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz, Davis will have a robust market and is expected to land a lucrative deal.
He wrote, "Detroit's Carlton Davis and the Jets' D.J. Reed will be two of the top corners on the market, with both receiving significant interest — while potentially commanding annual wages in the high teens. It's rare to find lockdown corners on the open market, and both Davis and Reed are playing the best football of their careers. They play a similarly highly aggressive, highly effective style, where they aren't afraid to press and can also support the run defense."
New “NFL Confidential” column for @NFLonFOX — breaking down the latest buzz I’m hearing, including insights on this year’s QB and RB draft class, plus the two position groups on 🔥🔥 heading into free agency next week.https://t.co/H9ExrTAzmG
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 4, 2025
Lions Rumors: Carlton Davis Will Have Strong Market in Free Agency
According to Overthecap.com, the Lions have $51 million available in cap space, so they will have the funds to re-sign Davis. Despite that being a possibility, Davis could land a deal that nears $20 million annually.
Reed, Davis, Charvarius Ward, and Byron Murphy Jr. are the top options available. The NFL is pass happy, so adding a reliable corner is always at the top of the list.
Davis joined the Lions last March and gave them a stable presence in the secondary. In 13 games in 2024, he finished with 56 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions.
If the Lions don't retain Davis, it will create a void in the secondary. Amik Robertson broke his arm in the divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders. They have Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. heading into their second seasons, but having that veteran presence in the secondary goes a long way.
We'll have to see how the Lions approach Davis in free agency next week.