The Detroit Lions have experienced a ton of coach turnover this offseason. Dan Campbell has reassembled the staff for 2025, and the next focus is adding talent to the roster.
The legal tampering period begins on March 10 at Noon EST, when teams can begin negotiating with free agents.
The Lions have a couple of key players hitting the open market, including cornerback Carlton Davis III. The Auburn product wasted no time sending the Lions a message before free agency kicks off.
On his X/Twitter account, he posted, "I won't make the same mistake twice. If you want your defense upgraded yall know who to pay. Turn on the tape."
#Lions CB Carlton Davis Won't Make Same Mistake Twice: 'Ya'll Know Who To Pay' https://t.co/Zlw1dz7TXA
— Logan Lamorandier (@LLamorandier) March 5, 2025
Carlton Davis III Sends Message Before Free Agency
Davis III will be one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in this free agent class. He came over via trade last March and played well in his lone season with the Lions.
Before going down with a fractured jaw, Davis III compiled 56 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Per PFF, he recorded a 74.5 overall grade (29th among 223 eligible cornerbacks) and a 72.1 coverage grade (38th among 223 eligible cornerbacks).
He helped stabilize the Lions' secondary and gave them a No. 1 cornerback. Now, before the storm of free agency kicks off, Davis III wants to make it clear that he wants to get paid, and he believes in what he brings to the field.
This upcoming CB free-agent market features Davis III, D.J. Reed, Byron Murphy, and Charvarius Ward to name a few.
Davis III is confident in his skillset but wants to be paid for it. Per Spotrac, his projected market value is listed at $13.8 million annually. Detroit will have $51 million in cap space to play around with, but we'll have to see if Davis III is included in their plans.