Free agency is a brutal, unaccommodating frenzy. The Detroit Lions suffered more than their fair share of injuries last season, especially on defense. The absences of key defenders loomed large in their 45-31 second round defeat to the Commanders in the playoffs.
Headlining their woes was the loss star of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson after five games to a fractured fibula and tibia in his left leg. The defense will get a much needed boost with his return to start next season.
In free agency, however, the Lions saw a key member of the secondary depart to an AFC team prepared to spend big on his services.
New England Patriots Swoop in for Major Free Agency Addition
About an hour after the legal tampering period opened, Yahoo Sports reported that the New England Patriots were signing Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III for three years and $60M, including $34.5 guaranteed.
In his first and only season in Detroit, the 7th-year pro picked off two passes, recovered a pair of fumbles, and recorded 56 tackles. By the end of the year, he was one of the last men standing on a battered Lions defense.
Davis spent the prior 6 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, notching a career-high 4 interceptions in 2020. He has compiled 11 picks in his career.
It is a big loss for the Lions, who are now forced to rely more than ever on 2024 rookie Terrion Arnold. Although he improved as the season progressed, opposing offenses frequently exploited him in wide receiver matchups.
For the Patriots, who have been rumored as suitors for several top free agents, bagging Davis is a clear win. The price tag is high, but if they want to bounce back from their string of disappointing seasons, owner Robert Kraft will have to open up his purse.
Do Packers Plan on Doing Something Soon?
So far in free agency, the Packers have re-signed kicker Brandon McManus and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. Particularly, securing a reliable kicker was an important move for this team. While both are solid signings, however, neither are frontpage headlines.
Inert thus far in the external market, Green Bay has seen targets DK Metcalf, Chris Godwin and Tee Higgins vanish on offense. On defense, Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby and Khalil Mack have all reached deals with their former teams. Names like Zach Baun (Eagles, linebacker), Milton Williams (Eagles, defensive line), Haason Reddick (defensive end, Buccaneers) and Davante Adams (WR, Rams) have also left the market.
One notable player still available is Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat.
Obviously, the Packers cannot go after everyone, and some of the deals potential signees received are likely beyond Green Bay’s budget. Nonetheless, sitting idle while other teams scoop up the available talent cannot be a comfortable feeling for fans. It is not as though the Packers do not have needs. Hopefully the front office can salvage something from the remaining free agents.
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