The Detroit Lions are in the middle of figuring out their plan for free agency next week, and one of the biggest questions revolves around what they will do at cornerback.
Carlton Davis is a pending free agent, and there's been some questions regarding whether the Lions should bring him back. Based on some previous comments, it has seemed that Davis wouldn't mind a return. That sentiment is now firmly up in the air.
Just ahead of free agency, Davis hopped on social media and offered a message to teams. He wants to cash in, and those interested need only look at the tape to see why they should be paying him.
I won’t make the same mistake twice . If you want your defense upgraded yall know who to pay .Turn on the Tape !
— C-Murda ™ (@Carlton_Lowkey) March 5, 2025
While Davis fits Detroit well, he could be a major priority in other cities that are prepared to offer more money or term. The Lions could certainly decide to prioritize their cornerback, but this shows the decision won't necessarily be easy considering what Davis may desire on his end.
Underrated Paulson Adebo suggested as potential Carlton Davis replacement
Given the fact that he knows Detroit's defense, bringing Davis back still represents the best option to bolster the back end. If he is set on testing the market, though, the Lions will have to hunt for a new addition. Enter another cornerback from an NFC rival.
ESPN's Ben Solak looked at underrated players who are set to hit the market (paywall), and while Davis made the list, another cornerback in Paulson Adebo of the New Orleans Saints was cited as a fit for Detroit if Davis isn't re-signed.
"Teams with open CB2 spots that like to play press coverage should seek out Adebo. He'd be a great fit in Detroit if Davis leaves in free agency, and Kansas City should target him given its CB2 issues this season. If the Patriots aren't snagging a corner in the top five of the draft, Adebo also makes sense there opposite Christian Gonzalez. I like Adebo on a two-year deal worth $9 million per season, but with a structure that probably will lead to either a cut or an extension in 2026."
Adebo is a more underrated option compared with Davis given his age (25) and checkered injury history, but he has compiled decent statistics for the Saints. In four seasons, he has collected 10 interceptions, 254 tackles and 43 passes defended. He could be ready for a bigger role on the kind of fair contract that could appeal to Detroit.
With free agency set to begin, cornerback looms as the biggest in-house decision the Lions will have to make. Expect things to move fast on that front next week.