Bills $21 million starter predicted to leave for Lions as Carlton Davis replacement.

The Detroit Lions are anticipated to lose starting cornerback Carlton Davis in the upcoming 2025 offseason. Davis, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2024, had a notable season with the Lions, recording two interceptions and 11 passes defended before suffering a fractured jaw in Week 15, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

As Davis approaches free agency, he is expected to seek a substantial contract. Spotrac projects his market value at approximately $13.8 million annually. Given the Lions’ depth at the cornerback position and Davis’s injury history, the team may be hesitant to meet his salary demands.

In light of Davis’s potential departure, analysts have suggested that the Lions could pursue Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas as a replacement. Douglas, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Bills, has been recognized for his size and ball skills. However, during the past season, he allowed a 74.1% completion rate on 54 targets and a 119.2 passer rating when targeted. Despite these statistics, his experience and previous performances make him a viable candidate to fill the void left by Davis.

The Lions’ decision will hinge on various factors, including financial considerations, Davis’s injury history, and the performance of other cornerbacks on the roster. As the offseason progresses, the team’s strategy to address the potential loss of Davis will become clearer.