Marcus Davenport’s Future with the Detroit Lions: A Gamble Worth Taking?

A Risky Signing with High Hopes The Detroit Lions took a calculated risk when they signed defensive lineman Marcus Davenport last offseason. After struggling with injuries throughout his career, the former first-round pick from the New Orleans Saints was looking for a fresh start. The Lions hoped a change of scenery would help him regain his form and become a valuable contributor to their defense.

Injury Woes Continue Unfortunately, Davenport’s injury troubles persisted. Despite starting in Week 1, he was sidelined for Week 2 due to a groin injury. Just one week later, his season came to an abrupt end when he suffered a torn triceps. With only two games played, his impact was minimal—finishing with two tackles, a half-sack, and four quarterback hits. This was yet another setback in a career plagued by injuries, as he has played only six games combined in the last two seasons.

Flashes of Potential When healthy, Davenport has demonstrated his ability to pressure quarterbacks effectively. His 14.3% pass-rush win rate in 2024, despite limited playtime, proves he can disrupt offenses. Over his career, he has accumulated 208 pressures, including a career-high 51 in 2019. However, his production has dropped significantly in recent years, with only 14 pressures over the past two seasons. This decline raises questions about his long-term durability and effectiveness.

The Lions’ Defensive Line Situation The Lions’ defensive unit could benefit from a healthy Davenport in their rotation, but they have several other options. Aidan Hutchinson is set to return after recovering from a broken leg, while players like Josh Paschal, Za’Darius Smith, and Al-Quadin Muhammad stepped up in his absence. However, Smith’s future in Detroit remains uncertain due to potential cap savings if released, and Muhammad is heading into free agency.

A Tough Decision for Detroit If the Lions are forced to choose between retaining Davenport or Muhammad, Muhammad’s late-season performance may tilt the scales in his favor. While Davenport offers upside as a pass-rusher, his inability to stay on the field makes him a risky investment.

Contract Outlook: A Reduced Market Value Davenport signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Lions last season. Given his injury history, his market value is likely to drop. If the Lions decide to bring him back, a one-year deal with a lower base salary seems probable. Incentives based on playing time and production could be included to make the contract more appealing.

Predicted Contract: One Year, $5.5 Million A one-year, $5.5 million deal with performance-based incentives could be a fair compromise for both sides. This would allow the Lions to mitigate risk while giving Davenport another chance to prove himself. Whether Detroit takes that gamble remains to be seen, but his potential upside may be worth the risk.