English
Español
In our next profile leading up to NFL free agency, we take a look at the situation surrounding Detroit Lions defensive end and soon-to-be unrestricted free agent, Marcus Davenport.
Previous Lions free agent profiles: QB Kyle Allen, TE Shane Zylstra, WR Kalif Raymond, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, DT DJ Reader, LB Alex Anzalone, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, DB Avonte Maddox, and CB Rock Ya-Sin.
Marcus Davenport
Expectations heading into 2025
After appearing in only two games in the 2024 season due to a torn triceps suffered in Week 3, Lions general manager Brad Holmes opted to run it back one more time with Davenport when he was signed to a one-year contract last offseason.
Naturally, there were those who opposed the move. How were the Lions supposed to count on someone who had not been active for more than eight regular-season games since 2022? On the flip side of that perspective, Davenport was brought back at a $1.35 million base salary. Financially speaking, that is a literal drop in the bucket of a salary cap that is going to exceed $300 million for the first time in history in 2026.
With that number in mind and how effective Davenport can be when he is available, it makes more sense from Holmes’ perspective. In an ideal world, they have Davenport as the technical starter opposite star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, giving him anywhere from 40 to 60% of the defensive snaps on a given gameday.
Not a long-term solution by any means, but serviceable for one season.
Actual role in 2025
Note: PFF grades reflect a minimum 20% snaps at that position.
8 games (7 starts): 7 tackles, 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits
- 280 defensive snaps
- 38 special team snaps
PFF defense grade: 52.4 (116th out of 130 qualifying EDGEs)
PFF pass rushing grade: 55.8 (110th out of 130)
PFF run defense grade: 51.8 (113th out of 130)
PFF tackling grade: 47.1 (87th out of 130)
In what was sadly a predictable outcome for Davenport, his 2025 season was once again derailed by shoulder and pectoral injuries that kept him on the sideline for eight weeks. After exiting early during the Lions’ Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears, Davenport would not see the field again until the Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
And when he did return, his level of play never reached where the Lions needed it to be at the time. When healthy, Davenport is a really physical defensive end, capable of setting violent edges and kicking inside to the three-technique on pass-rushing downs. From a pass-rushing standpoint, he has heavy hands that make his bull rush something opposing offensive linemen have to respect.
It’s difficult to say whether or not the injury played a part in some of Davenport’s struggles in the second half of 2025. He logged a season-high 56 snaps in the Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and his lone sack of the year came in Week 2. On top of the lack of pass rush productivity, he also had issues against the run that played a part in some of the defense’s struggles as a unit. When you turned on his tape, there were reps where he was simply losing a one-on-one against a tackle, and others where he appeared to be out of position in the run-fit, putting a linebacker or safety in a tough spot to make a tackle in space.
Outlook for 2026
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent
Pros of re-signing
Speaking strictly from a cost standpoint, it would be a low-risk move. Because of the last few years of his career, I seriously doubt Davenport commands more than a one-year, veteran-minimum contract for whichever team he suits up for in 2026.
When he is fully healthy, Davenport has the ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line, making him a good depth player to have in the room.
Cons of re-signing
Like my good friend Ryan Mathews likes to say, “Your best ability is your availability.” If you are consistently unavailable as a player, it’s hard for you to help the team. And at this stage of his career, it’s fair to wonder what Davenport’s ceiling is as he heads into his ninth season as a pro.
Beyond that point, you could also make a case that it is simply time for the Lions to go in a different direction as far as the defensive end position is concerned.
Is there interest from both sides?
There hasn’t been any concrete news from either party.
Cost?
As I mentioned earlier, the cost would likely be right around the veteran minimum. Maybe with some snap-based incentives tied in, too.
Conclusion
To put things simply, it’s probably time for a change of scenery. I think Davenport is likely ready for a chance with another team, and the Lions are probably going to rework their defensive line room. Sometimes these things work out, and other times they don’t.