The Detroit Lions significantly upgraded their secondary during the 2024 offseason, signing Amik Robertson, selecting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft, and trading for Carlton Davis.
These moves have paid off, as the Lions’ secondary has been significantly more competitive this season than in previous years. Davis has undoubtedly played a significant role in that as a starter on the boundary, with a 55.3% completion rate allowed and a passer rating of 77.0 when targeted. Davis’ completion rate is the second-best in his career, while his passer rating is a personal best.
But it’s possible that Davis, who is set to be a free agent in 2025, may have played his last snap for the Lions already, as the veteran cornerback recently suffered a fractured jaw that is expected to sideline him six weeks, which means he has a chance to make it back by the NFC Championship Game.
That said, head coach Dan Campbell didn’t sound too optimistic about Davis’ chances of making it back this season.
“I’d say nothing has changed,” Campbell said of Davis’ status.
“As of right now, it doesn’t look optimistic to get him back. Doesn’t mean he won’t, but I don’t foresee that right now.”
With Davis set to be available in 2025, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine thinks it’s possible he lands with the Baltimore Ravens.
“The cornerback position has been a headache throughout the season for the Ravens,” Ballentine wrote.
“Adding Tre’Davious White in the middle of the campaign didn’t help, and Brandon Stephens has been a liability all year. They have a good long-term answer in Nate Wiggins, but he’s still a rookie who has dealt with some injuries.
“The solution might lie in making a real investment in a veteran on a short-term contract,” Ballentine added.
“Carlton Davis has helped the Lions stabilize their secondary and could show up to do the same thing in Baltimore. Starting Davis and Wiggins on the outside while letting Marlon Humphrey man the slot could give the Ravens their ideal secondary.”
Because of his impressive numbers and leadership qualities that are a huge asset to a young cornerbacks room, it’s very possible the Lions will want to bring Davis back.
However, they may also view Rakestraw Jr. as Davis’ replacement, which would save the Lions some money. Then again, the Missouri product hasn’t been able to show much this season due to injury and a lack of playing time, so the Lions depending on him to be a starter in 2025 isn’t guaranteed.
Baltimore’s potential interest in Davis makes sense. The Ravens have been awful against the pass this season and the former Super Bowl winner would provide an immediate upgrade to Baltimore’s secondary.
