Lions Acquire Carlton Davis in Trade with Buccaneers

Lions add new talent to cornerback room.

The Detroit Lions were believed to be in the market for a cornerback. On Monday, they made a decision to target a veteran defensive back. 

General manager Brad Holmes has acquired cornerback Carlton Davis from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to multiple reports. 

Detroit is giving up a 2024 third-round draft pick for the ex-Buccaneers defensive back, but is receiving sixth-round picks in 2024 and 2025. 

According to NFL Network, Detroit is parting with the latter of their two third-round picks (No. 92), while keeping pick No. 73, which was secured in the T.J. Hockenson trade with Minnesota.

The Lions had a pressing need at the position, as they struggled to find consistent contributions from players such as Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs and Kindle Vildor. Now, Davis gives them a starting-caliber player on the outside. 

Davis is in the final year of his contract, and is owed $14.5 million in 2024. He had two interceptions last season, and has nine in his six-year career. 

In two games against Detroit in 2023, Davis was targeted nine times and only gave up 29 total yards to Ben Johnson's offense

He played in 12 games last year, and hasn't played a full slate in his career. Though injuries have factored into his performance, he has remained a consistent contributor when active. 

He earned a 63.1 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023, along with a 63.3 coverage grade and a 50.9 tackling grade. Davis was good against the Lions in two meetings this year, as he was targeted nine times and allowed just 29 yards on five completions.

The Lions have four cornerbacks set to hit free agency in Jacobs, Vildor, Khalil Dorsey and Will Harris. 

Holmes and the organization had been linked to the cornerback market since the scouting combine, as many believed they could be in on Kansas City's L'Jarius Sneed.

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