Following a surprising season-ending loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, the Detroit Lions now turn their attention to the 2025 offseason. With 33 pending free agents on their roster—including 23 unrestricted ones—they face a challenging road ahead.
One of the most prominent names on the list is cornerback Carlton Davis, who joined the Lions from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2024 offseason.
In his debut season with Detroit, Davis delivered an impressive performance, allowing a completion rate of just 55.3% and a passer rating of 77.0 against him—among the best marks of his career.
However, Davis’s time with the Lions was overshadowed by a recurring issue: injuries. He was once again unable to complete a full season after suffering a fractured jaw, a rare but significant setback that highlighted his durability concerns.
“The ex-2018 second-rounder will be looking for another big-time contract this offseason. Spotrac projects that he could earn about $13.8 million annually on the open market, and while the Lions have over $69.7 million to spend, they might not want to shell out big bucks for a cornerback who’s nearly 30 years old,” wrote Devon Platana of Detroit Jock City.
“If Davis demands too much money, the Lions won’t hesitate to let him walk. There’s already a mixture of reliable and up-and-coming CBs under contract, meaning Detroit can afford to lose him.”
Financial considerations will heavily influence the Lions’ decision on Davis. At nearly 30 years old and with a history of injuries, Davis will likely seek a lucrative, long-term deal—one that might not fit with Detroit’s plans.
Adding to the complexity is the development of rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who was seen as a potential in-house replacement for Davis. However, Rakestraw’s own injury-plagued rookie season has left questions about his ability to fill that role effectively.
With Rakestraw’s status uncertain, the Lions may look for a veteran presence to stabilize their secondary. While this doesn’t rule out a return for Davis, any reunion would likely depend on financial terms aligning with Detroit’s broader strategy and priorities.
As the Lions gear up for 2025 free agency, their decisions—especially regarding key players like Davis—will be pivotal in shaping their path forward.
Whether or not Davis remains in Honolulu Blue, Detroit’s front office faces a critical offseason as they aim to build on this season’s progress and stay competitive in the years to come.
