After spending six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carlton Davis was going to be the guy who instantly turned the Detroit Lions’ secondary around. While he did miss some time with injuries, he generally did his job and played a part in the Lions’ defense finally turning the corner under Aaron Glenn.
The Lions may like to keep Davis around in a perfect world, but it may be tough do so in an offseason that could see many of their veterans cut loose as they try to free up some extra financial wiggle room. Davis’ first season in Detroit may be his last.
These three teams, many of whom will try to push for a deep playoff run this season, could be the Lions’ biggest competition as they try to resign an impact player at a position of need this offseason.
3 possible Carlton Davis landing spots Lions need to worry about in free agency
3. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders decided to add a fresh new flavor to their new org chart, as former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is the new head coach and Buccaneers executive John Spytek took over as general manager. Spytek signed one of his old Bucs players in Alex Cappa to kick off free agency, and he could do the same with Davis.
The Raiders are still in the middle of what has been a half-decade quest to rebuild their secondary. Davis would give them an alpha on the outside who has experience taking on more physical receivers and making plays in the postseason. With money to spend, Spytek and the Raiders could go in on Davis.
2. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are seemingly on their way to getting out of the Jaire Alexander business after his injury problems, and they could take a huge swing at replacing him by giving Davis a multi-year contract. When healthy, Davis proved to be one of the better cornerbacks in the NFC over the last 2 years.
The Packers may take some extra joy in pilfering away a player from a division rival. With Brian Gutekunst proving to be a bit more willing to splash the cash in free agency, joining an already stout Packers defense in pursuit of a second Super Bowl ring could be very appealing for Davis.
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have two emerging stars in Nate Wiggins and Kyle Hamilton, but the rest of the secondary is in flux. Marlon Humphrey may not be around much longer despite a bounce-back season, Marcus Williams could be released, and Brandon Stephens graded out as one of the worst defensive backs in the entire league last season.
The Ravens are in all-out mode as long as Lamar Jackson is in town, and the defense may be the team’s biggest area of need. Detroit may be able to offer Davis a big contract one year after trading for him, but the Ravens could present an equally compelling offer despite playing in the tougher AFC.