One of the biggest offseason decisions facing the Detroit Lions involves the future of Carlton Davis, a key contributor to their secondary who is set to become a free agent. Davis, who joined the team via trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, delivered one of his strongest performances in coverage during the 2024 season, helping to stabilize a long-troubled position for Detroit.
However, his recurring injury problems surfaced once more when he fractured his jaw in Week 15, prematurely ending his season. Despite his injury history, Davis remains an attractive option for teams in need of a reliable veteran cornerback.
One potential landing spot is the Las Vegas Raiders, where Zack Cook of Sports Grid predicts Davis could sign. Cook highlighted how Davis’ experience and leadership proved invaluable for the Lions’ defense, and although his season was cut short, he still enhanced his value heading into free agency.
The Lions’ approach to retaining Davis will likely hinge on their plans for Ennis Rakestraw Jr., their 2024 second-round pick. Expected to compete for a starting role in 2025, Rakestraw Jr. remains an uncertain factor, having seen limited action as a rookie. If Detroit decides to give him a starting spot—either on the outside or in the slot—Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson could take the other two roles, making a lower-cost veteran a more practical alternative to re-signing Davis.
As for the Raiders, they already have Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett under contract as their primary boundary corners. However, Jones struggled in his second year with the team and could be released, making way for a possible pairing of Bennett and Davis—the latter having a connection with Raiders general manager John Spytek from their time together in Tampa Bay.
If Las Vegas moves forward with this plan, the next step would be deciding who covers the slot, potentially by bringing back Nate Hobbs in free agency.
Financially, Davis is projected by Spotrac to command a three-year, $41.3 million deal. With the Raiders boasting ample salary cap space, affording him at that price—or something close to it—should not pose an issue.
