The Detroit Lions were thought to be in the market for a cornerback. On Monday, they decided to pursue a seasoned defensive back. Multiple reports indicate that general manager Brad Holmes has acquired cornerback Carlton Davis from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Detroit trades a 2024 third-round draft pick for the former Buccaneers defensive back in exchange for 2024 and 2025 sixth-round picks.
The Lions had a critical need at the position, as players like Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, and Kindle Vildor struggled to provide consistent contributions. Davis now offers them a starting-caliber player on the outside. Davis is in the final year of his deal and is due $14.5 million in 2024. He made two interceptions last season and has nine in his six-year career. In two 2023 games versus Detroit, Davis was targeted nine times and only gave up 29 total yards to Ben Johnson’s offense.
He appeared in 12 games last year and has never played a complete schedule in his career. Though injuries have had an impact on his career, he has consistently contributed when active. He received a 63.1 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023, as well as a 63.3 coverage score and a 50.9 tackling grade. Davis performed well against the Lions in two games this season, being targeted nine times and allowing only 29 yards on five completions. Jacobs, Vildor, Khalil Dorsey, and Will Harris are four Lions cornerbacks that are poised to hit free agency.
Holmes and the organization had been linked to the cornerback market since the scouting combine, with many believing they could land Kansas City’s L’Jarius Sneed.
