Could the Jacksonville Jaguars target Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis in free agency?
After a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024, the Jaguars need to make improvements across the board. However, one area requiring immediate attention is the secondary.
Jacksonville’s pass defense ranked among the league’s worst last season, no matter how you analyzed the numbers. Now, with new head coach Liam Coen at the helm, the team must find a way to turn things around quickly.
A key factor in that turnaround will be how the Jaguars acquire and develop talent. While they have some promising pieces in Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, Darnell Savage, and Montaric Brown, adding reinforcements through free agency or the draft remains a priority.
One potential target could be Detroit’s Carlton Davis. In a ranking of the top 50 pending free agents, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler linked the veteran cornerback to the Jaguars.
“Some teams view Davis as the No. 2 cornerback in this free-agent class. Jacksonville could be a team to watch here. The Jaguars may not be big spenders, but they’re looking to strengthen their secondary,” Fowler noted.
Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Davis played six seasons in Tampa, starting 75 games. Over that span, he recorded nine interceptions, 73 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and 12 tackles for loss.
Davis joined the Lions in 2024 and made an immediate impact, helping to solidify Detroit’s secondary during one of their best defensive seasons in years. Though a late-season injury sidelined him, he proved he still has plenty to offer in his seventh NFL season.
“Davis started 13 games for the Lions before a broken jaw placed him on injured reserve. He brings both man and zone coverage skills, which should make him an attractive option in free agency. Plus, he’s a physical presence in run support. In seven seasons, he’s registered 11 interceptions and 68 pass breakups, consistently creating disruption,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen observed.
With the Jaguars looking to revamp their secondary, Davis could be a strong addition to their defensive rebuild.
