The Los Angeles Chargers are projected to make a significant defensive upgrade by targeting Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis, a $14 million starter, in free agency.
Despite maintaining head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have experienced an eventful offseason following a record-breaking 15-win season in which they scored 564 points. Key coaching departures include offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now leading the Chicago Bears, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who took over the New York Jets.
Detroit is also preparing for free agency, with more than 30 players set to hit the market. While a handful are exclusive-rights free agents, most will have the chance to sign elsewhere. Among them, Davis is an unrestricted free agent, and Sporting News analyst Vinnie Iyer believes the Chargers will aggressively pursue him.
According to Iyer, the Chargers need a better option than Kristian Fulton, and Davis would fit seamlessly into defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s scheme.
Davis, 28, played college football at Auburn from 2015 to 2017, earning All-SEC and All-American honors in his final season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted him in the second round in 2018, where he quickly secured a starting role. Over his tenure with the Bucs, Davis amassed 324 tackles (12 for loss), 73 pass breakups, nine interceptions, four recovered fumbles, and three forced fumbles, playing a key role in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl victory.
Last offseason, the Lions acquired Davis in a trade, along with two Day 3 draft picks. In 13 games with Detroit, he played 83% of defensive snaps, recording 56 tackles (two for loss), 11 pass breakups, two interceptions, two recovered fumbles, and a forced fumble.
While acquiring Davis would significantly bolster the Chargers’ defense, his departure would leave a major void for the Lions, who already struggled against the pass last season, giving up 247.1 yards per game—second-worst in the NFL.
Detroit may need to completely revamp its secondary, as multiple defensive backs—including Davis, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Kindle Vildor, Emmanuel Moseley, and Khalil Dorsey—are set to become free agents. With over $50 million in salary cap space, the Lions have the financial flexibility to strengthen their defensive backfield with veteran signings.
