The Detroit Lions have been exceptional in 2024, sitting at 12-1 and holding the No. 1 seed in the NFC after 14 weeks. Their latest victory came in Week 14, when they secured a divisional win over the Green Bay Packers. In Week 15, they will face the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field, continuing their strong campaign. One of the standout features of their success has been the depth of their roster, particularly in the secondary, which has been a key strength this season.
The Lions’ secondary has been led by an elite safety duo, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, both of whom have made significant contributions to the defense. Cornerback Carlton Davis, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2024 offseason, has also been an important player. At 27 years old, Davis has quickly become one of the more reliable cornerbacks in the NFC, helping strengthen the Lions’ defensive unit.
Davis, however, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and speculation about his future has already begun. According to Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team, a potential landing spot for the talented cornerback could be the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are in need of a reliable cornerback and Davis is seen as an ideal fit for their defense.
Throughout his career, Davis has established himself as a solid cornerback with impressive stats. He has 11 interceptions, 84 pass breakups, 310 solo tackles, and four forced fumbles. Despite his playmaking ability, Davis has also been prone to giving up big plays. His “feast-or-famine” style has resulted in him allowing 34 touchdowns and a career passer rating of 93.7.
This high-risk, high-reward play style may suit a team with strong safety play over the top, which is exactly what the Rams could provide. With safeties Kamren Curl and Kamren Kinchens, and possibly the return of John Johnson III, the Rams have the support necessary to help Davis thrive in their defensive system. The Rams also boast a young, dynamic front seven that can generate pressure on quarterbacks, making life easier for their cornerbacks.
The Rams currently lack a dependable CB1, a position that Davis could fill immediately. In 2024, Davis has allowed just a 59.7% completion rate when targeted and an 87.9 passer rating. He has also earned a 71.8 coverage grade and a 74.7 run defense grade, proving his effectiveness. With the Rams’ need for a cornerback and Davis’ ability to step in as a top option, his addition would address a significant defensive gap.
Los Angeles is projected to have over $56 million in cap space this offseason, giving them the financial flexibility to pursue a major signing like Davis. Strengthening their cornerback position would be a smart move for the Rams, and offering Davis a lucrative contract would make sense given his abilities. While the Lions will likely try to re-sign Davis, if he chooses to leave, the Rams would be a strong and logical destination for the veteran cornerback.
