In 2023, the Detroit Lions’ defense struggled with one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, prompting general manager Brad Holmes to invest heavily in upgrading the secondary. One of the key moves was acquiring veteran cornerback Carlton Davis in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Davis has provided some stability, his performance hasn’t fully met expectations. He has allowed completions on 65.2% of passes thrown his way and surrendered a passer rating of 99.3, which are subpar numbers compared to rookie Terrion Arnold’s stats—56.5% completion rate and a passer rating of 91.8.
These disappointing statistics have led some to believe that Davis may not be in Detroit’s long-term plans, especially considering the emergence of Arnold and the presence of Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who is waiting for an opportunity in the secondary. The Lions are unlikely to offer Davis the financial deal he might seek, which could mean the 27-year-old cornerback will be looking for a new home next year.
One potential landing spot for Davis is the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department. The Steelers already have a solid cornerback in Joey Porter Jr., whose development continues to impress, with the potential for lockdown coverage. However, Pittsburgh still has a need at the other cornerback position, where Donte Jackson has been serviceable but not necessarily the long-term solution.
Jackson has performed better than Davis in some aspects, allowing just 53.1% of passes to be completed against him and posting a remarkable passer rating of 31.5. If Jackson continues his impressive play, the Steelers will likely prioritize bringing him back. However, if they fail to secure a deal with Jackson, Davis could become a fallback option to complement Porter Jr. in the Steelers’ secondary.
Davis’ experience and versatility make him an intriguing prospect for Pittsburgh. His ability to adapt to different defensive schemes has been valuable for the Lions this season, and the Steelers could benefit from a similar role. While Davis hasn’t been as dominant as expected in Detroit, his veteran presence and ability to contribute to a secondary could fit well with the Steelers’ needs.
Both teams, Detroit and Pittsburgh, are expected to have significant cap space in the upcoming offseason. According to Over the Cap, the Steelers will have $73.4 million in available cap space, while the Lions are projected to have $70.1 million. This financial flexibility could allow both teams to make moves in free agency, including addressing their cornerback positions.
The Steelers’ future at cornerback could be shaped by their negotiations with Jackson, who is set to become a free agent next year. If they are unable to retain Jackson, Davis might be a reasonable and affordable option to fill the void. Given the uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s return, the Steelers may find themselves in the market for a cornerback like Davis to strengthen their defense.
Ultimately, while Davis’ numbers with the Lions this season haven’t been spectacular, his potential for a fresh start with the Steelers could make sense for both sides. The Steelers will have the financial flexibility to make the move, and Davis could provide the experience and versatility Pittsburgh is looking for to round out their secondary for the
2025 season.
