Detroit Lions’ Offseason Signing Turns Sour as Veteran Edge Rusher Davenport Struggles with Injuries
In a move aimed at bolstering their pass-rush, the Detroit Lions signed veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport to a one-year, $6.5 million contract prior to the 2024 NFL season. However, the high-priced acquisition quickly turned into a disappointment for the Lions.
Davenport, who was brought in to pair with rising star Aidan Hutchinson, managed just a half-sack in his Lions debut before missing the following week due to a groin injury. He returned the next game but then suffered a season-ending elbow injury in Week 3, leaving the Lions’ pass-rush severely depleted.
According to a recent article by Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman, Davenport’s ill-fated tenure in Detroit has earned him the dubious distinction of being the Lions‘ worst free-agent signing of the 2024 offseason.
“Davenport was brought in to give the Lions some pass-rush depth,” Wasserman noted. “He played well in his first game with the team but played just one more game after that before his season ended due to a triceps injury.”
The Lions’ decision to sign Davenport, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, was a risky one that ultimately backfired. With Hutchinson also missing the majority of the season due to his own injury, the Lions’ pass-rush was left in shambles, contributing to their disappointing 2024 campaign.
Looking ahead, the Lions will need to address their edge-rushing needs this offseason, either through free agency or the draft. Veteran Za’Darius Smith provided a slight boost after being acquired in a trade, but the team may need to explore other options to find a long-term solution opposite Hutchinson.
As the Lions continue their quest to finally win a Super Bowl, shoring up the pass-rush will be a critical priority. The Davenport signing serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the importance of making prudent personnel decisions and mitigating injury risk when building a championship-caliber roster.
