Lions free agent Marcus Davenport will likely sign with a new team after the embarrassing playoff loss against the Commanders. According to a source , the Detroit Lions have several key free agents in March, including Davenport who might not come back since suffering a season-ending injury. It wasn’t the only defensive piece that didn’t stay healthy this 2024 campaign, since star Aidan Hutchinson didn’t return to the field who was hoping to be back in the Super Bowl but he can kiss those hopes goodbye. However, even though the Lions have some salary cap to work with than most rosters, the team may be smarter to bring back those healthier players which may not include Davenport.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the veteran came into the league as a reliable pass rusher, recording 31 tackles, six sacks and three fumbles in 13 starts in his rookie year for the New Orleans Saints . He had some bright spots but after a shoulder injury in 2021, Davenport wasn’t the same player after undergoing five total offseason surgeries in 2022. Davenport became a journeyman the past two seasons, signing with the Vikings hoping to revive his career but an ankle injury stopped that. It was the same story this past 2024, after suffering a season-ending triceps injury which could signal he will have a limited market.
However, he should receive some type of interest if he can return healthy as a rotational pass rusher to fill in the gaps. Davenport has yet to impress but that could change for the former UTSA product with the Panthers, Cowboys.
Lions Free Agent Marcus Davenport May Sign Elsewhere After Embarrassing Loss – Panthers, Cowboys Possible Fits
Veteran Life in Carolina
While the Carolina Panthers rebuild the offense again for quarterback Bryce Young , they can’t ignore the defense this offseason. With the Panthers having faith in Young again , they should be in good hands to get a couple of capable receivers to help solidify the passing game. Meanwhile, there have been talks in the 2024 campaign the Panthers could trade veteran Jadeveon Clowney after just acquiring him this past offseason. If they lose Clowney then this means they could be in the market for another pass rusher.
Marcus Davenport might be the last person they’ll think about considering they must give the organization in the best position to win ball games. However, after a season-ending injury, Derrick Brown will come back as the only reliable man in the trenches if Clowney desires to sign with a contender. Davenport is not going to carry this defense on his back but he’s enough to get another body to get after the quarterback.
Another Rebuild Offseason
It’s hard to imagine the plan for the Dallas Cowboys is they’re going to rely on the NFL Draft rather than the free agent market. Since losing Dante Fowler Jr., Tyler Biadasz and Dorance Armstrong, they’re going to a NFC Championship game while the Cowboys are sitting on the couch. The Cowboys can not be prideful in this situation as Demarcus Lawrence may become the latest player to leave the team and possibly join the Commanders. One could argue the Cowboys just need quarterback Dak Prescott back healthy but it’s going to take more than him to win in prime-time matchups.
With Micah Parsons possibly finding a way to sign a long-term deal, it’s going to take more than him to win on defense. Marcus Davenport isn’t on the same level as any of the defensive pieces mentioned above but it’s a veteran insurance policy that could turn out to be a gem.
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