The Lions are reportedly bringing back edge rusher Marcus Davenport on a 1-year deal.
The Detroit Lions are going to try to run it back with defensive end Marcus Davenport. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Lions are re-signing Davenport to a one-year deal worth “up to $4.75M.”
Last year, the Lions signed Davenport to a one-year deal in the hopes he would become Detroit’s main starter opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Unfortunately, Davenport suffered a tricep injury that required surgery and ended up only playing two games for Detroit. It was the latest in a long list of injuries to Davenport, as the 28-year-old defensive end has played in just six games in the last two seasons.
That said, Davenport is exactly the kind of player Detroit has wanted opposite Hutchinson. He’s big (6-foot-6, 265 pounds), he plays a fast, violent game, and he’s equally good as a pass rusher and edge setter. His work in the preseason had then defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn excited about what he could do for the team.
“This man fits exactly who we want to be on defense, especially playing outside of Hutch,” Glenn said. “He’s a violent, he’s a physical, he’s an athletic big man that plays the game the right way. So, you’re absolutely right – if you’ve got a guy like that that can bull rush and that can condense the pocket, that allows Hutch and other guys to go to work, and we expect that.”
At this point, it’s hard to say what kind of value the Lions are getting in this deal. When it is framed as “up to” $4.75 million, that typically means it’s full of incentives. And given that Davenport did not play much last year, and most incentives will fall under “not likely to be earned” and won’t count against the 2025 salary cap. When more information on his contract is out, we’ll update this post.
Catch up on all of the Lions’ free agency moves with our 2025 Detroit Lions offseason tracker.