SHOCKING TRADE: Lions Sign De Marcus Davenport to One-Year Deal Worth Up to $10.75 Million
The Detroit Lions have made another move to bolster their defensive line, agreeing to a one-year contract with edge rusher De Marcus Davenport. The deal is reportedly worth up to $4.75 million, providing the former first-round pick with a chance to prove himself after an injury-plagued stint with the Minnesota Vikings.
A Talented but Injury-Prone Pass Rusher
Davenport, 27, entered the NFL with high expectations after being selected 14th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Saints traded up to draft the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) standout, believing he could develop into a dominant force off the edge. While he flashed elite potential at times, injuries have significantly hindered his ability to stay on the field and reach his full potential.
Throughout his six-year NFL career, Davenport has dealt with a variety of injuries, including shoulder, toe, and elbow issues. Last season with the Vikings, he was limited to just four games due to a high ankle sprain that ultimately landed him on injured reserve. Over his career, he has played in 71 games but has never completed a full 17-game season.
Despite his durability concerns, Davenport has demonstrated the ability to be a disruptive force when healthy. His best season came in 2021 with the Saints, when he recorded a career-high nine sacks and 16 quarterback hits in just 11 games. That performance highlighted his potential as an impact pass rusher, which the Lions are undoubtedly hoping he can recapture in Detroit.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move for the Lions
For the Lions, signing Davenport to a one-year, incentive-laden deal represents a classic low-risk, high-reward scenario. At just $4.75 million, the contract is relatively affordable for a player with Davenport’s upside. If he stays healthy and performs well, he could become a key contributor to Detroit’s defense. If he struggles with injuries again, the financial investment remains minimal, allowing the team to move on without significant consequences.
The Lions have been looking to improve their pass rush, and Davenport provides depth and competition at the defensive end position. Detroit ranked 23rd in the NFL in sacks last season, with Aidan Hutchinson leading the team with 11.5. However, they struggled to generate consistent pressure opposite Hutchinson, leading to an increased focus on upgrading their edge rushers this offseason.
How Davenport Fits in Detroit’s Defense
Under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions have been building a defense centered around aggressiveness and physicality. Davenport fits that mold when healthy, as he possesses a rare blend of size (6-foot-6, 265 pounds), speed, and power.
He joins a defensive line that includes Hutchinson, James Houston, John Cominsky, and Josh Paschal. While Hutchinson has solidified himself as the team’s premier pass rusher, there is still a need for another consistent edge threat. Davenport could fill that role if he can stay on the field and regain the form he showed in New Orleans.
The Lions’ defense showed significant improvement last season, helping the team reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time in over 30 years. However, they still struggled against elite offenses, particularly in the playoffs, when they allowed 34 points to the San Francisco 49ers. Adding more pass-rushing firepower was a priority this offseason, and Davenport represents a potential solution.
Davenport’s Career So Far
Davenport spent his first five NFL seasons with the Saints, where he showed flashes of dominance but struggled with consistency and health. In 2022, his final year with New Orleans, he managed just 0.5 sacks in 15 games, leading to questions about his long-term viability as a premier pass rusher. Despite the down year, the Vikings took a chance on him in 2023, signing him to a one-year, $13 million contract.
Unfortunately, his time in Minnesota was cut short due to injuries. He managed just two sacks in four games before being placed on injured reserve, marking yet another frustrating season. Now with the Lions, he’ll get another opportunity to prove he can be a productive pass rusher when healthy.
Can He Finally Stay Healthy?
The biggest question surrounding Davenport has always been his ability to stay on the field. When available, he has shown the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks with his combination of strength and explosiveness. However, his injury history raises legitimate concerns.
The Lions’ medical staff will likely have a plan in place to manage his workload and keep him as healthy as possible. Given that it’s a one-year deal, Davenport will also be highly motivated to prove himself in hopes of securing a more lucrative contract in the future.
What This Means for Detroit’s Offseason Plans
The addition of Davenport doesn’t necessarily mean the Lions are done addressing their pass rush. They could still look to add another edge rusher through the NFL Draft or free agency. However, his signing gives them an experienced player who can immediately contribute if healthy.
Detroit has been aggressive in improving its roster this offseason, looking to build on last season’s success and take the next step toward becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Strengthening the defense has been a priority, and the Lions have already made moves to bolster their secondary and linebacker corps. Adding Davenport to the defensive line is another step in that process.
Final Thoughts
The Lions’ signing of De Marcus Davenport is a calculated gamble. His talent is undeniable, but his injury history is a major concern. If he can stay healthy, he could be a valuable addition to Detroit’s defense and provide the pass-rushing boost they need.
For Davenport, this is a crucial opportunity to prove he can stay on the field and be productive. If he performs well, he could set himself up for a larger contract next offseason. If injuries continue to plague him, it could raise further doubts about his long-term viability in the NFL.
Ultimately, the Lions are hoping this low-risk move pays off, giving them another impact player as they push for a deeper playoff run in 2025. Whether or not Davenport can finally stay healthy will determine just how successful this signing turns out to be.
