Carlton Davis made a strong impact in his first season with the Lions, establishing himself as a reliable cornerback with his promise to be the “lockdown corner” the team needed. Throughout the 2024 season, Davis was effective, allowing a 77.0 passer rating and a 55.3% completion rate in coverage, while also contributing two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries in 13 games. However, his season ended prematurely due to a broken jaw, continuing a pattern of injuries that has seen him miss at least four games in each of the last four years.
Despite the injury concerns, Davis will be a highly sought-after free agent and is considered one of the top cornerbacks available. His strong suit is his man-to-man coverage, and he is also known for his physicality in run defense. As he enters his age-29 season, Davis may be open to exploring other offers, particularly if another team can offer him more years and higher compensation than the Lions.
While Detroit would prefer to secure him on a long-term deal, these six teams stand out as the biggest threats to their chances of re-signing Davis in 2025:
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
Davis’ physical style of play fits the Steelers’ identity perfectly. The team ran Cover 1 the fourth-most in the league last season, a scheme Davis is already familiar with from his time with Detroit. With roughly $40.7 million in cap space, Pittsburgh could put together a competitive offer to lure Davis away.
5. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have their own cornerback to re-sign in Charvarius Ward, but if they fail to retain him, they might turn to Davis as an upgrade. The return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, known for utilizing a Cover-1 heavy scheme during his time with the Jets, could also make Davis an ideal fit for the 49ers’ defensive plans. With over $43 million in effective cap space, San Francisco has the financial flexibility to make a strong play for Davis.
