Marcus Davenport Returns to Detroit Lions on One-Year Deal
The Detroit Lions are doubling down on a player they believe can be a significant contributor to their defense, agreeing to terms with defensive end Marcus Davenport on a one-year, $4.75 million contract. This move prevents Davenport from testing the free agency market for the second straight year and signals the Lions’ continued belief in his potential, despite an injury-riddled 2024 season.
Davenport’s journey to this point has been marked by high expectations and unfortunate setbacks. Drafted as a first-round pick several years ago, his career has been a blend of flashes of brilliance and frustrating absences due to injury. After spending a year with the Minnesota Vikings, Davenport landed in Detroit last offseason, signing a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Lions. The hope was that he would provide a significant boost to the pass rush and complement the team’s star defensive end, Aidan Hutchinson.
Unfortunately, Davenport’s 2024 campaign was cut short almost as soon as it began. He suffered a groin injury that sidelined him in Week 2, followed by a season-ending triceps injury in Week 3. These injuries limited him to just two games, leaving the Lions’ defense shorthanded and Davenport unable to showcase his talents. He joined a growing list of injured Lions players, with the team ultimately placing 16 players on injured reserve by January, a significant portion of whom were on the defensive side of the ball.
In his brief appearances on the field in 2024, Davenport managed to record two tackles, 0.5 sacks, and four quarterback hits. While these numbers are far from the impact the Lions were hoping for when they signed him, they offer a glimpse of the potential he possesses when healthy. The hope is that with a clean bill of health, Davenport can finally realize his potential and become a consistent force on the Lions’ defensive line.
The decision to bring Davenport back speaks volumes about the Lions’ faith in his abilities and their assessment of his fit within the team’s defensive scheme. Despite the limited sample size, the coaching staff likely saw enough in training camp and those two early-season games to warrant another opportunity. Furthermore, the relatively modest contract suggests that the Lions are taking a calculated risk, offering Davenport a chance to prove himself without breaking the bank.
Davenport’s role in the 2025 season could be crucial, especially with the departure of former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who accepted the head coaching job with the New York Jets. Glenn’s departure leaves a significant void in the Lions’ coaching staff, as he was instrumental in transforming the defense into a formidable unit. Under Glenn’s guidance, the Lions’ defense ranked seventh in the NFL in scoring defense last season, a key factor in the team’s impressive 15-2 record.
Kelvin Sheppard, the Lions’ new defensive coordinator, will be tasked with maintaining the high standard set by Glenn and further developing the team’s defensive talent. He will be counting on players like Davenport to step up and contribute to the success of the defense. If Davenport can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a key piece in Sheppard’s defensive scheme, providing much-needed pass-rushing ability and helping to take pressure off Aidan Hutchinson.
The Lions’ defense will be crucial to their aspirations of making a deep playoff run in 2025. After a disappointing loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs last season, the Lions are determined to take the next step and compete for a Super Bowl title. To achieve this goal, they will need their defense to be at its best, consistently shutting down opposing offenses and creating opportunities for the offense to score.
The return of Davenport adds another layer of intrigue to the Lions’ offseason. The team has already made several key moves to bolster their roster, and the decision to bring back Davenport further demonstrates their commitment to building a championship-caliber team.
However, the Lions’ success in 2025 will hinge on their ability to stay healthy and avoid the injury bug that plagued them last season. The sheer number of players on injured reserve significantly hampered their performance and ultimately contributed to their playoff exit. The Lions will need Davenport, along with other key players, to remain on the field and contribute consistently throughout the season.
The Lions currently hold the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. While they could use this pick to further bolster their defense, they may also choose to address other areas of need on the roster. Regardless of how they choose to use their draft picks, the Lions are clearly focused on building a team that can compete for a Super Bowl title.
The acquisition of Davenport represents a gamble, but it is a gamble that the Lions believe is worth taking. If Davenport can stay healthy and live up to his potential, he could be a key contributor to the Lions’ defense and help them achieve their goals in 2025. His presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson could create a formidable pass-rushing duo, making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. The Lions are betting that Davenport can finally put it all together and become the player they envisioned when they signed him last offseason. Only time will tell if that bet will pay off.
