After struggling with one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in 2023, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes invested heavily in the secondary.

One notable addition was veteran cornerback Carlton Davis, acquired through a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Davis has provided some stability, he hasn’t completely met expectations. He has allowed completions on 65.2% of passes thrown his way and has given up a passer rating of 99.3, both of which are worse than rookie Terrion Arnold’s 56.5% completion rate and 91.8 passer rating.

Given this performance, it’s possible the Lions may not re-sign Davis next year, especially with Ennis Rakestraw Jr. waiting in the wings. At the very least, Detroit is unlikely to offer Davis the salary he desires. Others share this belief; Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department predicts that the 27-year-old will join the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency next offseason.

Pittsburgh may be looking for a boundary cornerback in 2025, as one of their current starters, Donte Jackson, will hit free agency next year. However, based on performance, Davis would represent a downgrade. Jackson has allowed a completion rate of 53.1% and an impressive passer rating of 31.5. If he continues this trend, he’s likely to command a significant contract.

Both the Steelers and Lions are projected to have substantial cap space next offseason, with Pittsburgh estimated at $73.4 million and Detroit at $70.1 million, according to Over the Cap. The Steelers will likely aim to re-sign Jackson to pair him with Joey Porter Jr., but if negotiations fall through, Davis could become a viable backup option.