As Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis nears free agency, the team may face strong competition if they wish to retain him. Whether the Lions choose to re-sign Davis will largely hinge on his contract demands and the front office’s belief in the current defensive unit.
Should Davis depart, the Lions have alternative options, with Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas emerging as a possible replacement. Over the course of his career, Douglas has demonstrated playmaking ability, tallying multiple interceptions across five seasons while consistently defending passes and making tackles. Alex Frank of TWSN suggests that Douglas could be a strong addition to Detroit’s secondary, complementing Brian Branch to reinforce the defense.
Although Douglas would bring valuable experience and depth to the cornerback unit, the question remains whether he would be an adequate replacement for Davis, particularly given his lower coverage numbers in 2024. However, he has a solid track record and offers versatility, having played in the slot while primarily excelling on the boundary.
It is estimated that Douglas could command an annual salary in the range of $11-12 million. With the Lions holding $46.4 million in available cap space, they could accommodate this contract. However, the team must determine whether investing such a substantial sum in a cornerback who might not start is a prudent move.
In the end, Detroit’s decisions regarding Davis, Douglas, and the secondary as a whole will be crucial in their push for a Super Bowl in 2025. Additionally, the organization’s confidence in second-round draft pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and his potential development will significantly influence their approach to free agency and the overall cornerback depth chart.
