The Carlton Davis Dilemma: Should the Lions Keep Their Star Cornerback?

The Detroit Lions have several key free agents this offseason, but one name stands out—cornerback Carlton Davis. After trading a third-round pick for him last March, the Lions got an outstanding return on investment. Davis delivered a stellar season in Detroit, proving to be a lockdown defender and a vital piece of the secondary.

Carlton Davis’ Impact on the Lions’ Defense

Davis wasted no time making his presence felt in Detroit. He allowed a reception percentage of just 59.7%, recorded two interceptions, and broke up six passes. His physical style and ability to shut down opposing receivers made him one of the Lions’ most reliable defenders.

Unfortunately, Davis’ season was cut short just before the playoffs due to a broken jaw. In his absence, Amik Robertson stepped up in a big way, playing at an elite level down the stretch. His emergence has forced the Lions to reconsider their options for Davis’ future.

The Contract Situation: A Tough Decision

Back in November, projections suggested Davis could command a three-year deal worth $52 million, with $35 million guaranteed. While the Lions could afford this price tag, they also have the option of extending Robertson instead, potentially saving a significant amount of cap space.

Bringing Davis back remains a viable option, but it won’t come without competition. According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, there’s an AFC team eyeing Davis as a prime target in free agency.

The Jacksonville Jaguars Factor

Fowler reports that several teams view Davis as the No. 2 cornerback on the market, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to be among his top suitors. While the Jaguars aren’t planning to be major spenders in free agency, they are prioritizing upgrades in their secondary.

Jacksonville has a history of making aggressive moves in free agency, and if they decide Davis is their top target, they could drive up his price significantly. This could put the Lions in a tough spot—match a potential bidding war or allocate their resources elsewhere.

Should the Lions Re-Sign Davis?

The Lions must weigh their options carefully. If they retain Davis, they solidify one of the strongest cornerback groups in the league. However, if they let him walk, they still have a capable unit with Robertson stepping into a larger role.

This decision will ultimately come down to financial flexibility and team priorities. The Lions have the luxury of making a move from a position of strength, whether that means keeping Davis or reallocating funds to other areas of need.

Free agency is approaching, and soon enough, the Lions’ front office will have to make a call. No matter what they decide, Detroit appears to be in a good place moving forward.