Lions’ $41 Million Defender Expected to Leave Detroit for Raiders.

Among the top priorities for the Detroit Lions this offseason is pending free agent and cornerback, Carlton Davis, who played a key role for the team’s defense in 2024.

Davis, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the goal of improving the secondary, had some of the best numbers of his career in coverage and stabilized what was a problem position for the Detroit.

Unfortunately, Davis’ yearly injury issues creeped up again, as he suffered a jaw fracture in Week 15 that ended his season early. Even with his injury concerns, Davis still figures to draw plenty of interest on the open market.

One team that could use some cornerback help is the Las Vegas Raiders, which is why Zack Cook of Sports Grid predicts Davis will end up in Sin City.

“In 2024, Carlton Davis III emerged as a seasoned anchor within the Lions’ secondary, imparting valuable veteran guidance,” he wrote. “His impactful season was unfortunately cut short by a jaw fracture in Week 15. Nonetheless, Davis III has certainly boosted his stock, positioning himself as a prime candidate for teams seeking to bolster there defense with experienced leadership.”

How aggressive the Lions are in trying to retain Davis will likely depend upon what the team plans on doing with 2024 second-round pick, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who is slated to have a starting role in 2025 but remains a wild card for Detroit after barely playing during his rookie campaign.

If the Lions plan on giving Rakestraw Jr. one of the starting jobs, whether that be on the boundary or in the slot, Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson would take the other two spots. From there, the Lions will likely opt to go with a cheaper veteran insurance policy rather than re-signing Davis for that role.

The Raiders have both of their 2024 starters on the boundary under contract in Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett, but Jones had a rough second season in Las Vegas and could be a cut candidate.

Following a breakout campaign from Bennett, the Raiders would be in great shape with a duo of he and Davis, who has a connection with general manager John Spytek from their days together in Tampa bay.

From there, the Raiders would have to figure out who plays in the slot, something the team can address by re-signing Nate Hobbs.

According to Spotrac, Davis is projected to receive a three-year, $41.3 million deal in free agency. The Raiders are flush with cap space, so that price point — or anything close to it — won’t be a problem.