After sporting one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in 2023, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes dumped a ton of resources into the secondary.
One of the additions was veteran cornerback Carlton Davis, who was acquired via trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Davis has proven to be a decent stabilizing addition, although that's not to say he has totally lived up to expectations.
Davis has allowed completions on 65.2% of the passes thrown his way and has surrendered a passer rating of 99.3. Both of those numbers are inferior to rookie Terrion Arnold, who is rocking a 56.5% completion rate and 91.8 passer rating.
Knowing that, it's possible the Lions won't bring Davis back next year, especially when you consider that they have Ennis Rakestraw Jr. waiting in the wings. At the very least, Detroit is unlikely to offer Davis the kind of money he'll be seeking.
But we're not the only ones who thinks Davis won't be in Detroit beyond this year. Bleacher Report's Scouting Department thinks the 27-year-old will end up with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency next offseason.
The Steelers have one side of their cornerback tandem locked down with Joey Porter Jr. He should continue to grow as a corner and has lockdown potential. Bringing in Donte Jackson to start across from him has worked out in the fact that he doesn't get routinely burned, but it's still a spot that could be upgraded.
Carlton Davis is a scheme-versatile veteran who has helped elevate the Lions secondary this season. He could have a similar role and presence for the Steelers next season.
Pittsburgh could very well be in the market for a boundary cornerback in 2025, as one of their current starters, Donte Jackson, will be a free agent next year. However, based on the numbers, Davis would actually be a downgrade.
Jackson has posted a completion rate allowed of 53.1% and an astoundingly impressive passer rating of 31.5. If he keeps this up, he's going to get paid.
Both the Steelers and the Lions are set to have a ton of cap space next offseason, according to Over the Cap, with Pittsburgh projected for $73.4 million and Detroit expected to have $70.1 million.
Pittsburgh is likely to try and bring Jackson back to keep him opposite Joey Porter Jr., but if they can't get something done with the 28-year-old, Davis could very well be a fallback option.
