With the Detroit Lions losing both coordinators—Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson—this offseason, speculation has grown about whether any players or staff will follow them to their new teams.
Ben Johnson has taken the head coaching role with the Chicago Bears, while Aaron Glenn has become the New York Jets’ head coach. Rumors suggest both might bring Lions assistants along, but could some Detroit players also make the move?
Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron thinks one player could follow Glenn to New York. He identifies the Jets as the ideal landing spot for Lions cornerback Carlton Davis, who is set to enter free agency after completing a one-year, $14.5 million contract in Detroit.
“Before a broken jaw in Week 15 cut his season short, Davis was a standout in the Lions secondary,” Cameron wrote. “Through 15 weeks, his 11 forced incompletions ranked ninth in the NFL, highlighting his ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks. Reuniting with former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, now the Jets’ head coach, could be the perfect move for Davis. Glenn’s aggressive schemes, which often rely on press coverage, play to Davis’ strengths. He allowed only seven open targets in press situations despite playing a significant number of press snaps, showcasing his ability to thrive in a physical, one-on-one role.”
The Jets’ interest in Davis will likely hinge on what happens with D.J. Reed, their No. 2 cornerback opposite Sauce Gardner. Reed, like Davis, is set to hit free agency, and indications suggest he may not return.
“I’m ready to go to free agency, bro. I’m ready to see what’s next for me,” Reed told Tyler Dunne on the Go Long podcast.
Davis delivered an excellent 2024 season before his season-ending injury, allowing just a 55.3% completion rate and a passer rating of 77.0 when targeted. On paper, he could be a strong replacement for Reed.
However, Davis’ durability remains a concern. The 28-year-old has never played a full season, missing at least two games each year. He hasn’t played more than 13 games since 2020.
The Lions may still pursue bringing Davis back, given uncertainties surrounding 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Rakestraw, considered the heir apparent at cornerback, had a difficult rookie season marred by injuries.
“I thought we got very good play from him,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said of Davis, per Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit. “I will be honest, I thought that he played better this year than he did the year before, that last year in Tampa, and he’ll tell you that too.”
Starting fresh in New York, Glenn may prioritize adding a veteran familiar with his system. Davis fits that need, offering the Jets a reliable No. 2 cornerback and an experienced leader in the locker room.
