The Detroit Lions are facing several decisions regarding their roster, with more than 30 players set to become free agents this offseason. Among them is veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport, whose future with the team appears uncertain.
Davenport was signed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract in 2024 with the hope that he would provide support for Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line. At the time, the move made sense for general manager Brad Holmes, as the team needed additional pass-rushing help.
However, injuries once again derailed Davenport’s season, a recurring issue throughout his career. An elbow injury in Week 3 forced him to miss the rest of the season, adding to the Lions’ defensive struggles in 2024.
Given his lack of availability, Joseph Grassano of Detroit Jock City believes Davenport’s time in Detroit will be short-lived. Although his presence on the field in limited action helped take some attention off Hutchinson, his inability to stay healthy makes it unlikely the team will retain him.
Adding to the uncertainty, veteran Za’Darius Smith has expressed interest in staying with the Lions, and the team is expected to target a young edge rusher in the upcoming draft—one who presumably won’t carry the same durability concerns as Davenport.
Heading into the 2025 offseason, Detroit still needs a reliable pass rusher opposite Hutchinson. Smith, at 32, is in the final year of his contract, leaving the team without a long-term solution at the position. Additionally, the rash of injuries suffered in 2024 underscores the need for more depth on the defensive front.
While it remains unclear how the Lions will address these issues, one thing appears certain: Davenport is unlikely to be part of their plans. Detroit simply cannot afford to count on him in any significant role moving forward.
If the team were to bring him back on a much lower salary as a backup option, it might not be the worst decision. However, expecting him to play a key role in their defense again is out of the question.
