Despite him missing the end of season with a broken jaw, the Detroit Lions got everything they could have hoped for from Carlton Davis last season. He went out and proved he was the shutdown corner he declared he’d be, and brought a general confidence and physicality to table that was sorely needed.
Davis is also a free agent, set to cash in as one of the top cornerbacks on the market. He recently gave a strong indication he likes playing for Dan Campbell, so if financial offers are equal that may tip the scales for him to re-sign. Or maybe he’ll take a little less than he could get elsewhere to stay in Detroit. But, as is the case with 99 percent of free agents, he can and should see what else is out there.
If we know anything about Lions general manager Brad Holmes, it’s he will be ready to pivot quickly from any free agent the team could lose. About as soon as there were indications talks with Jamaal Williams weren’t going well two years ago, a surprising pivot was made to sign David Montgomery. That’s not to say a pivot from Davis if he leaves will go as well, but there are some other good options out there on the cornerback market and Holmes will have other irons in that fire in case Davis leaves.
Playoff-experienced Carlton Davis pivot seen as possible match for Lions
In naming a free agent would could be a nice fit for each team, Jacob Camenker of USA TODAY had cornerback Charvarius Ward for the Lions.
“Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson figure to be two of the Lions’ top three cornerbacks in 2025, but they may need to replace Carlton Davis if he doesn’t return in free agency. Ward is coming off a down year but was a second-team All-Pro in 2023 after logging five interceptions and a league-best 23 pass defenses. Ward would bring a hard-nosed physicality to the cornerback position that would quickly endear him to Dan Campbell, so this marriage could certainly work.”
On a similar note, Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY named the Lions as his best team fit for Ward in free agency.
“Ward allowed a 61% completion percentage and five touchdowns in 2024. He was a 2023 Pro Bowl and a second-team All-Pro at cornerback.”
“The Lions had the 30th-ranked pass defense in the NFL last season, and Detroit cornerback Carlton Davis is slated to hit free agency.”
It’s safe to say the 49ers won’t let Ward leave easily, but after a season where he had an unspeakable personal tragedy he seems ready to not live in California anymore as he hits the free agent market.
After having the best season of his career in 2023 (Pro Bowl, Second Team All-Pro, five interceptions, 23 pass breakups), Ward understandably had a down year in 2024. But he absolutely is one of the top cornerbacks available in free agency, with 17 games of playoff experience in his career–including three Super Bowls and five conference championship games.
If Davis leaves, that kind of experience in the biggest of games could (and arguably should) put Ward atop the Lions’ list of options to replace him.
