The Detroit Lions significantly bolstered their secondary in the 2024 offseason by signing Amik Robertson, drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and trading for Carlton Davis.
These additions have strengthened the Lions’ defense, making them more competitive than in past seasons. Davis has been instrumental as a boundary starter, allowing a 55.3% completion rate and a passer rating of 77.0 when targeted. This marks Davis’ second-best completion rate and his personal best passer rating.
However, Davis, set to become a free agent in 2025, may have already played his final game for Detroit after suffering a fractured jaw. The injury is expected to keep him out for six weeks, with a potential return by the NFC Championship Game.
Despite this, head coach Dan Campbell appeared doubtful about Davis’ return this season. “I’d say nothing has changed,” Campbell remarked. “Right now, it doesn’t look good for him to return. It’s not impossible, but I don’t see it happening.”
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine speculates that Davis could end up with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025. “The Ravens’ cornerback situation has been problematic all season,” Ballentine wrote. “Tre’Davious White’s addition hasn’t fixed things, and Brandon Stephens has struggled. Rookie Nate Wiggins shows promise but has battled injuries.”
Ballentine suggests the Ravens could benefit from signing a veteran like Davis on a short-term deal. “Davis has solidified Detroit’s secondary and could do the same in Baltimore. Pairing him with Wiggins and slotting Marlon Humphrey inside might give the Ravens an elite defensive backfield.”
Given Davis’ performance and leadership, the Lions may want to re-sign him. However, they might consider Rakestraw Jr. as his successor to save money. Still, Rakestraw’s injuries and limited playtime this season make him an uncertain choice as a 2025 starter.
The Ravens’ interest in Davis aligns with their need for defensive improvement. Baltimore’s pass defense has struggled, and Davis’ experience as a Super Bowl champion could provide an immediate boost.
