The Detroit Lions overcame an injury-plagued season to achieve one of the best campaigns in franchise history. Despite dealing with numerous setbacks, they secured 15 victories—breaking their previous record of 12 wins from the year before. Additionally, their 564 total points set a new franchise high, surpassing the 474 points they put up in 2011.
While the offense received much of the praise, the Lions’ defense was equally noteworthy, especially given the challenges they faced. Even without several key players, Detroit managed to hold opponents to 21.5 points per game, ranking 11th in the league for the 2024 season.
This offseason has already seen some major changes, including the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who accepted the head coaching job with the New York Jets. On top of that, several key defensive players could leave in free agency, including cornerback Carlton Davis.
Davis, 28, signed a one-year contract with Detroit last offseason after spending his first six NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his lone season with the Lions, he played 63.6% of the team’s defensive snaps, contributing 56 tackles, 11 pass breakups, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
If Davis does not return, general manager Brad Holmes will need to find a replacement. Andrew Buller-Russ of Sportnaut suggests that Holmes could explore a trade for Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward to fill the void.
“The Lions have recently found success bringing in veteran players who make an immediate impact,” Buller-Russ noted. “This time, they might look to the trade market to replace Carlton Davis. Acquiring Denzel Ward, a former first-round pick and four-time Pro Bowler, could strengthen Detroit’s secondary for years to come.”
Ward, 27, was drafted by Cleveland in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Over his career, he has amassed 322 tackles, 95 pass deflections, 17 interceptions, six fumble recoveries, and four forced fumbles.
The Browns are currently facing significant financial struggles, with Deshaun Watson’s massive contract potentially forcing them to offload key players. If Ward becomes available, Detroit would be wise to pursue him to bolster their roster as they aim for a championship run.
