The Detroit Lions made some huge moves during 2024 free agency to try and bolster their starting lineup. They traded for Carlton Davis and signed Amik Robertson to improve their options at corner.
They also signed D.J. Reader to a $22 million contract to strengthen the defensive line and brought up former Pro Bowl player Kevin Zeitler to fill their void at right guard. While these moves all worked out very nicely for the team, their first signing of the offseason didn’t pan out quite as well. In an article examining each NFL team’s best and worst signing from the 2024 offseason, Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman rated Marcus Davenport as the Lions’ worst signing of the 2024 offseason.
Davenport did not have much of an opportunity to make an impact for the Lions during his one season with the squad. He suffered two injuries in the first three weeks of the season, the second of which ended his season. However, there is a strong argument that Davenport’s signing for $6.5 million was not a wise one in the first place.
The Lions wanted an edge rusher who could contribute with Aidan Hutchinson. Davenport has never really demonstrated that he can be that man in the NFL. His career high in sacks is nine, and he has only recorded more than five in one season during his injury-plagued career. During his last healthy season with the Saints, he recorded only half a sack in 15 games.
The Lions were able to obtain a stronger option during the 2024 regular season by trading for Za’Darius Smith. During the 2025 offseason, the Lions will attempt to acquire someone who can be a long-term option to augment Hutchinson in the pass rush, and they will hope it goes better than this signing.