The Detroit Lions have been active ahead of free agency to make sure their key contributors don't hit the open market. After signing Derrick Barnes to a contract extension and re-signing Anthony Pittman and Zeke Turner, the Lions are reportedly bringing back veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Lions are signing Davenport to a one-year, $4.75 million deal.
Source: The #Lions are bringing back edge rusher Marcus Davenport on a 1-year deal worth up to $4.75M. After injuries robbed him of most of last year, Detroit takes another shot to run it back. pic.twitter.com/z27MAxNb6Y
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2025
Lions News: Detroit Brings Back DE Marcus Davenport
Davenport is one of many Lions defenders who had an injury-plagued 2024 season. After joining Detroit in the 2024 season with the hopes of being the starter opposite Aidan Hutchinson, Davenport lasted two games before suffering a season-ending triceps injury. This was the second straight season-ending injury for Davenport, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 6 of the 2023 season with the Vikings. As a result, he was only able to play in six games over the last two seasons.
However, it's clear that the Lions value the veteran competence Davenport can provide on the defensive line. On paper, the 28-year-old is the exact type of physical and athletic defender the Lions want across Hutchinson. Yet, it's hard to know how much the 28-year-old has left in the tank.
When healthy, Davenport has proven that he can be a true difference-maker, both as a pass rusher and an edge setter. He was a force to be reckoned with in his Saints days. In 2021, he had nine sacks, 16 QB hits, nine tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in 11 games. Unfortunately, his healthy days have been few and far between lately.
Hutchinson is expected to return for the start of the season. Josh Paschal and Za'Darius Smith finished last season as starters and will continue to be a part of the edge rush rotation. Between Paschal, Smith, and Davenport, however, who will get to start remains to be seen.