The Detroit Lions are bolstering their pass rush by signing a former first-round pick away from a division foe.
According to Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network, the Lions have agreed to terms with defensive end Marcus Davenport, who will join Detroit on a one-year deal from the Minnesota Vikings. The deal gives veteran depth to the defensive unit while also addressing one of the team’s most pressing needs.
Marcus Davenport Reunites With Former Coaches
The 27-year-old Davenport began his career with the New Orleans Saints, where current Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn served as assistant coaches. According to Vito Chirco of SI.com, Davenport will join Detroit on a one-year contract worth up to $10.5 million in incentives.
As Chirco pointed out, Davenport was a good end for the Saints in 2021, with 9.0 total sacks, but his output has dropped in the last two seasons. Davenport’s ankle ailment restricted him to four games last season, but he still made seven total tackles with four sacks and had a 55.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
“In signing Davenport, the Lions are hoping the 6-foot-6, 265-pound defender reverts to his pre-Minnesota level of production,” he wrote. “If he does, he’ll be a great addition to the Lions’ defense. At this point, he projects as a rotational pass rusher for Detroit. And, if he can stay fit, he could be the ideal EDGE compliment to Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson.
Aside from Hutchinson’s contributions, the Lions struggled to generate a consistent pass rush. James Houston, a second-year edge rusher, failed to recreate his breakout rookie season, in which he recorded eight sacks in seven games.
Houston missed most of the season after suffering a fractured ankle, appearing in just two games and making one tackle.
