- The Detroit Lions may face a significant loss next season as veteran cornerback Carlton Davis, a key addition to the team’s defense, could be on his way out. NFL insiders are suggesting that Davis, who has been solid for Detroit, might be targeted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the upcoming free agency period. Davis, a Super Bowl winner with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joined the Lions during the 2024 offseason, bringing both experience and proven ability to the secondary. Now, his future in Detroit seems uncertain.
Since coming on board, Davis has brought stability to the Lions’ secondary. The team also brought in cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson, blending fresh talent with Davis’s seasoned expertise. Together, they’ve helped strengthen the defensive backfield. In his eight games so far, Davis has allowed completions on just over 60% of the passes aimed his way, holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 89.1. It’s clear he’s still a capable defender at 28, but as his contract runs out, the question looms—will the Lions make a move to keep him, or will he be heading to Las Vegas?
A recent analysis by Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department highlights Davis as a likely candidate for the Raiders’ 2025 free agency plans. Matt Holder, an NFL analyst, emphasized how Las Vegas might benefit from bringing Davis into their lineup. With the Raiders facing tough times—they’ve dropped five games in a row and look to be entering a rebuilding phase—their current cornerback roster isn’t meeting expectations. Both Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett, two young players Las Vegas hoped would develop quickly, have struggled. Nate Hobbs, their most reliable corner, also hits free agency this offseason. The Raiders are sorely in need of a veteran presence to anchor their secondary, and that’s where Davis could step in.
“Right now, Vegas is really in a rough spot with five straight losses, and the future isn’t looking too promising,” Holder said. “They already traded away Davante Adams earlier this season, which signals they’re willing to make big changes. Bringing in Davis could be a smart move to stabilize their cornerback position, which has been an issue all year.” Holder added that Davis’s consistency and veteran insight could provide much-needed steadiness to the Raiders’ secondary.
The question then becomes, what’s next for the Lions? If they lose Davis, they’ll be left with a gap in their defensive backfield. Holder suggests they could look to replace him with Kristian Fulton, a cornerback currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers. Detroit has done well this season, riding a six-game winning streak to the top of the NFC North with a strong 7-1 record. But there’s always room for improvement, especially in the secondary. Although Terrion Arnold shows potential, he’s still finding his footing in the NFL. And with both Davis and Emmanuel Moseley set to become free agents, the Lions may have to consider their options carefully.
“It’s no secret that Detroit has room to grow at the cornerback position,” Holder pointed out. “The Lions’ front office should keep an eye on the market come spring, and Fulton could be a valuable addition. He’s had a resurgence with the Chargers, surrendering only nine receptions so far and allowing a passer rating of just 68.8 when targeted, which earned him a strong 79.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.”
Fulton, at 26, is hitting his stride, and his ability to lock down opponents could be what the Lions need if Davis doesn’t stay in Detroit. His recent stats speak to his improved performance, and he could bring a similar level of consistency to Detroit’s secondary. Adding a player like Fulton would not only help fill the void left by Davis but could also provide a boost to the Lions as they look to remain competitive in 2025.
For Lions fans, the potential loss of Davis is certainly a tough pill to swallow. He’s been a steadying force on the field and a leader for a secondary that needed a boost this season. But in the business of the NFL, teams have to constantly balance experience with the potential of younger talent and the financial realities of free agency. The Lions’ front office now faces the challenge of either re-signing Davis or finding a strong replacement who can step into his role seamlessly.
Only time will tell if Davis ends up alongside Maxx Crosby in Las Vegas or if the Lions can work out a way to keep him on board. Either way, the decision could shape Detroit’s defensive lineup and impact their continued success as they build on a stellar 2024 season.
