Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis received high praise from head coach Dan Campbell following an exceptional performance against the Houston Texans. In that game, Davis recorded two critical interceptions and achieved the team’s second-highest run defense grade (86.9) while allowing only two catches for 16 yards. Campbell expressed his satisfaction with the trade that brought Davis from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, calling him an outstanding addition to the team and highlighting his positive impact on younger players. Davis, motivated by past struggles against the Texans, showed resilience and determination to secure the win. His current contract situation poses potential roster moves for the Lions as they navigate salary cap implications.

By the Numbers
  • Davis had two interceptions and allowed only 16 receiving yards on five targets.
  • His overall PFF grade for the week was 91.3, the highest for any cornerback.
  • He achieved a run defense grade of 86.9, marking him as a top performer in that aspect.
Yes, But

While Davis' recent performance is commendable, the Lions face challenges with his contract situation and salary cap implications for next season. Extending Davis before contract voids might provide financial flexibility, but it requires careful consideration of overall roster dynamics.

State of Play
  • Davis is in the final year of a contract that could hit the salary cap for $9.8 million in 2025.
  • The Lions are weighing tight roster decisions and potential contract extensions as they look for cap relief opportunities.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the Lions will need to assess whether extending Carlton Davis is a viable option to manage their salary cap while also retaining a key contributor to their defense.

Bottom Line

Carlton Davis’ impressive performance reinforces his value to the Lions, prompting critical decisions ahead concerning his contract and the team's financial strategy. The Lions must balance immediate success with future roster sustainability.