Lions recommended to sign overlooked cornerback if Carlton Davis departs

Brooke Sutton

The Detroit Lions revamped their cornerback lineup last offseason, starting with the acquisition of Carlton Davis in a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Davis had an impressive season before a broken jaw sidelined him in Week 15.

Now a free agent, Davis presents the Lions with a major decision. As every player should when possible, Davis will likely explore his options in free agency, and several teams will be interested. If the Lions set limits on how much they’re willing to offer in terms of years and salary, they’ll need to find alternative solutions, and Brad Holmes has demonstrated a talent for this. Additionally, Kindle Vildor, another cornerback, is also a free agent.

With other contracts looming, such as safety Kerby Joseph’s, Davis could become too expensive to retain if he is determined to get top market value. The Lions should have some clarity on this matter before free agency begins.

Lions urged to sign potential pivot if Carlton Davis departs in free agency

If Davis leaves, the Lions could consider investing at or near the top of the cornerback market, but a more affordable free agent option seems likely. Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports suggested one such player for the Lions to target, calling him a hidden gem.

“Here’s a forgotten free agent who could be the steal of the class. Paulson Adebo, who suffered a broken femur in Week 7, was having a standout year before his injury. In just seven games, he accumulated 52 tackles, 10 passes defensed, and three interceptions. The Lions need secondary help, and Adebo would be an excellent fit.”

Adebo, a third-round pick from Stanford by the Saints in 2021, has played his first four seasons in New Orleans. Prior to his injury in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, he was on track for his best season yet. In 2022, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 11th-best cornerback, and in 2023, he ranked 15th.

Though his injury was unfortunate, Adebo is expected to be ready for training camp, and teams interested in him will evaluate his recovery progress.

Spotrac estimates Adebo’s market value at $11.1 million annually, compared to Davis’s $13.8 million, with Adebo projected for a shorter contract (two years versus Davis’s three).

Adebo’s abilities and performance make him a solid fit for the Lions and a good fallback option if they find themselves needing to replace Davis.