Detroit Lions Re-Sign Former 1st-Round Pick To $4 Million Deal

The Detroit Lions were the best team in the regular season last year. Unfortunately, they could not get it done when it mattered most. A big reason for this was injuries, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Star player Aidan Hutchinson was one of almost a dozen players to have their season end prematurely. Some of those players barely got to showcase their skills for the team. Last offseason, Marcus Davenport was signed to a one-year deal but only appeared in two games. The team decided to bring him back, re-signing him to a one-year deal.

Detroit Lions Re-Sign Marcus Davenport

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the deal is a one-year, $4.75 million contract. Marcus Davenport was taken 14th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft. His best season was back in 2021 when he recorded 9.0 sacks and three forced fumbles. Despite only appearing in two games last year, he did record half a sack and four quarterback hits. In week 3 against the Cardinals, he suffered a triceps injury that ended his season.

The Detroit Lions have been looking for a solid pass rusher to play opposite of Hutchinson. The former second-overall pick played in only five games but had 7.5 sacks. Before the trade deadline, they acquired Za’Darius Smith, but depth on the defensive line is often a good plan. The Lions hope that Davenport can recapture some of the magic from earlier in his career.

Can They Dominate Again?

The Detroit Lions didn’t just win last year. They dominated teams. An overwhelming run game, paired with a hungry defense, led to some lopsided games. The injuries simply proved to be too much. It will be tough to duplicate last year’s success. Going 15-2 is really difficult in the NFL, and there is often a lot of variance from year to year.

Furthermore, they play in one of the toughest divisions in football. The Chicago Bears have been making moves to improve and hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson this offseason. Minnesota and Green Bay both made the playoffs last year and are primed to do so again. Still, this roster has plenty of talent and will absolutely be in the playoff picture in the NFC.

Final Thoughts

The signing of Marcus Davenport is a good one for the team. They desperately need some pass rush depth, and this is a low-risk move that has the potential to pay off in a big way. Can the Lions finally break the Super Bowl drought in 2025?