When the legal tampering window opened on Monday, the Detroit Lions saw multiple players depart the organization for new situations, including veteran wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond. The versatile veteran stayed within the NFC North, signing a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Chicago Bears.
Raymond will be reunited with two familiar faces in former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and WRs coach Antwaan Randle-El. Lions head coach Dan Campbell would hate to see more players head to the Windy City, but given the Bears’ needs on the defensive line, Marcus Davenport could find himself donning the Chicago “C” navy blue helmet.
Marcus Davenport Could Be Next Former Lion to Join Chicago Bears in Free Agency
The 29-year-old Davenport had a rather disappointing two-year tenure in the Motor City, leaving much to be desired for a defensive unit that could’ve used his presence.
When Davenport arrived in Detroit in 2024, he was coming off a disappointing 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings, marred by injury, which has been the story of his career. But on a one-year deal, Detroit hoped Davenport would stay healthy and show that he could be a contributor.
That never materialized for Davenport, who only played in two games before being sidelined by a season-ending triceps injury. Despite his injury, the Lions ran it back again with Davenport for the 2025 season.
Again, Davenport was limited by the injury bug, as he sustained a shoulder injury in Week 2. But it didn’t keep him out for the entire season, allowing him to return in Week 13. However, it didn’t matter as Davenport didn’t make a significant impact. He finished the season with 14 combined tackles, four quarterback pressures, three QB hits, a tackle for loss, and a sack in eight games.
Based on those numbers, it's not a surprise that Detroit hasn’t re-signed him. But it could allow him to land in Chicago on a prove-it deal this offseason. The Bears need more pass-rushing depth on their D-line after only accumulating 35 sacks.
And if there’s one person who could get Davenport back on track, it's defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who was his coach in New Orleans. In fact, Davenport’s best year as a pro came in 2021 when Allen was the Saints’ DC. The veteran defender recorded 21 pressures, 16 QB hits, nine tackles for loss, nine sacks, and three forced fumbles.
The Lions wished he could’ve reached those numbers, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Therefore, if Davenport were to land in the Windy City and have a huge bounce-back performance, Detroit would have to chalk it up to the law of averages.
In the meantime, Detroit needs to figure out how they’re going to add pieces around Hutchinson, as they haven’t re-signed Al-Quadin Muhammad, which could lead to going elsewhere. Needless to say, the NFC North's pass-rushing picture won't be finished seeing movement any time soon.