The Detroit Lions have until the end of Monday’s deadline to decide if they are picking up the fifth-year contract option on linebacker Jarrad Davis.
On the surface, it seems unlikely the Lions will exercise the option. Picking up the option would put the team on the hook for just under $10 million in 2021 salary for Davis. That’s a lofty salary for a player who has not lived up to expectations in Detroit.
The team’s first-round pick in 2017, Davis has not been a bust. But he’s failed to consistently play well enough to merit such a financial commitment. After an impressive finish to the 2018 season, Davis often looked lost and out of position in 2019. He’s well-liked by teammates and is the closest thing the defense has to a vocal leader, however.
Not picking up the fifth-year option doesn’t mean the team is immediately cutting Davis. Instead, it means he will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Davis could re-sign with the Lions at that point, too.