With the offseason approaching, the Detroit Lions face the potential departure of several key free agents, none more significant than cornerback Carlton Davis. Davis, who started 13 games in 2024, played a crucial role as the team’s top corner before suffering a broken jaw in Week 15.
Given his experience and performance, Davis is expected to attract considerable interest from multiple teams. If Detroit is unable to retain him, Sports Illustrated’s Christian Booher suggests that general manager Brad Holmes should turn his attention to New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones.
“If Davis isn’t re-signed, Detroit will be left with an extremely young cornerback corps,” Booher explained. “Bringing in a seasoned veteran like Jones could be a logical move. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion and could serve as a mentor for emerging players such as Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw.”
Booher acknowledged that Jones struggled in 2024 but emphasized that he would come at a reasonable cost while providing much-needed competition for Detroit’s younger corners. “Acquiring him would be a low-risk, budget-friendly decision that could ultimately benefit players like Arnold and Rakestraw,” Booher added.
Jones started 14 games for New England last season but experienced difficulties in coverage, allowing a 75.5% completion rate on 53 targets and a 146.6 passer rating when thrown at.
At 31 years old, Jones is no longer a lockdown corner, but his postseason experience and veteran savvy could add valuable depth to Kelvin Sheppard’s defense. Additionally, projections from Spotrac and Pro Football Focus estimate his next contract to be around $3 million, making him an affordable option.
Although losing Davis would be a significant setback, Jones wouldn’t be expected to fill his shoes entirely. However, his championship pedigree and leadership qualities would bolster the Lions’ secondary and provide a reliable insurance option should the need arise.
