The Detroit Lions lost defensive back Carlton Davis III to the New England Patriots on Monday, just under four months after Davis III fractured his jaw against the Buffalo Bills in a 48-42 Lions defeat at Ford Field. Davis’ injury occurred about a month before the Lions also lost starting cornerback Amik Robertson in a tough playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.
The departure of Davis III in free agency was followed by the signing of former New York Jets cornerback DJ Reed, who now joins the Detroit Lions with hopes of filling the void left by the fan favorite and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout. After the Reed signing, Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold welcomed him with a typical Detroit greeting.
“What up Doe!!!” Arnold wrote in response to Reed’s exclamation of “Detroit!!” Arnold’s enthusiasm for Reed’s addition followed his comments about linebacker Derrick Barnes, whom the Lions chose to bring back to the Motor City just days earlier. “Yessir!!” Arnold wrote in response to the Barnes signing.
The Lions’ recent free-agent moves haven’t been universally praised by fans, particularly the decision to release former trade acquisition Za’Darius Smith.
The signing of Reed provides Detroit with a proven veteran who could make a significant impact on new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s unit for years ahead.
