Carlton Davis may be the biggest acquisition of the Lions offseason

Carlton Davis may be the biggest acquisition of the Lions offseason because he lets the defense play the way Dan Campbell wants

The Lions had a season for the ages last year but throughout it, there was one major aspect of defense that was lacking, pass defense. Several quarterbacks had major games against the Lions secondary in 2023 including Justin Fields, who was traded for a 2025 NFL Draft pick, and Nick Mullens who may be on the Vikings practice squad.

That problem came to be a front-and-center issue in the NFC Championship Game when Brock Prudy led the 49ers to a monumental comeback. The Lions front office and coaching staff knew it was an issue and they got aggressive this offseason in an effort to fix it.

Brad Holmes traded the team’s third-round pick for Carlton Davis, who is considered one of the best man coverage cornerbacks in the league. Dan Campbell couldn’t be more excited to have him on the roster.

“There are just things he can do where he can take his side of the field away, at times, just to have some of that, man, goes a long way for the rest of the defense, and what (Aaron Glenn) is going to be able to call. Man, that’s going to help. And that’s really something we felt we haven’t had here since we’ve been here.”

Being able to play man, though, affects more than just one area. The entire defense benefits, especially the safety group. The safeties last year were monumental in run support. By having better man coverage they have less responsibilities and can focus on just one task per play. Campbell went further explaining its importance.

“Being able to play man is no different than being able to run the football or stop the run. It’s kind of one of our core values to be a good team. You want to be able to play man when called upon. So, yeah, this certainly will give AG (Aaron Glen) more flexibility in what to call, I believe.”

We saw what the run game did for the offense. If man coverage can do that for the defense, then this is a complete football team.

Giants may conduct joint practices with Lions in 2024

The New York Giants and Detroit Lions have discussed potential plans for joint training camp practices for the second straight season.

The New York Giants and Detroit Lions held joint practice during training camp in 2023 and are looking to run that back in 2024.

While speaking to reporters at the Annual League Meeting this past Tuesday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed that he’s spoken to Giants head coach Brian Daboll about linking up once again.

“That’s not in stone,” Campbell said, via the Detroit Free Press. “Because I said this last year and I know Mr. (John) Mara got on me like, ‘Hey, this thing’s already out.’ So there’s a chance. I don’t know if it’s going to get done or not, but we’ve been talking about it just because we wanted to reciprocate the fact they came to us, we wanted to give it to them.”

The Giants visited Allen Park for two joint practices last year ahead of a preseason game at Ford Field. This time around, as Campbell alludes, the practices would be held in East Rutherford.

Since teams are only permitted to request a single preseason opponent, these discussions would indicate that both the Giants and Lions have asked the league to pair them up once again.

Still, Campbell, who is a former Giant himself, would like to have joint practice in back-to-back weeks just as they had done last year.

“I would love to do two weeks again like we did last year,” Campbell said. “It’ll be predicted on who that is and whether we go to them or they come to us. But yeah, I’m all for it.”

Meanwhile, the Giants held joint practices with the New York Jets in 2022 but had their plans for 2023 canceled. At the time of that cancellation, Jets head coach Robert Saleh said the two sides would revisit those discussions in 2024.

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Dan Campbell ‘absolutely in favor’ of the NFL’s new kickoff format

Lions coach Dan Campbell ‘absolutely in favor’ of NFL’s new kickoff format and has already worked with ST Coordinator Dave Fipp on ideas

The NFL approved a fairly radical change to the way kickoffs and kick returns will be handled this week. During the NFL owners’ meetings in Orlando, the league effectively replaced the existing kickoff format and structure with the innovative kickoff and kick returns used by the XFL (now part of the UFL).

Effectively, the league is trying to bring back the excitement of the kick return while making it safer for players.

At his Tuesday morning press conference, Lions head coach Dan Campbell voiced strong support for the change.

“Absolutely in favor of it,” Campbell said when asked about the new kickoff. “Because it gives us a chance to play special teams.”

Campbell elaborated,

“What happened last year, felt like it took a significant amount of plays out of the game. And those were from special teams and, you know, you don’t really make it up anywhere else.”

The coach continued, focusing on the safety aspect of the new play.

“We put an emphasis on (kick return) and I believe in it. I think the argument is, ‘well, you’re bringing more plays back in so now injuries could (increase)’. Yeah, because there are more plays. But it feels like what we’ve done with it — it’s been so condensed that the impact is out of it. Doesn’t mean there won’t be an injury.”

In fact, Campbell expressed his excitement over the potential of exploiting the unknown. After noting that some are afraid of the unknown, he and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp see a big opportunity.

“Fipp and I have already been back there talking about — watching all these XFL clips and you’re looking at different body types and looking at returners and you’re look at scheme. I think the unknown is what the coaching is for. You mess with it, you tinker with it … I’m excited about it.”

The Lions haven’t had a kickoff return for a touchdown since Jamal Agnew took one to the house against the Eagles back in September of 2019. Detroit only attempted 19 returns on 83 kickoffs during the 2023 regular season. THe rule change should make that figure and percentage skyrocket in 2024.

 

Dan Campbell believes the Lions have ‘unfinished business’

Coach Dan Campbell believes the Detroit Lions have “unfinished business” heading into the 2024 NFL season.

Last season marked a historic achievement for the Detroit Lions, with their remarkable divisional victory and a near miss at reaching the Super Bowl. This success solidified the Lions as a serious contender in the NFL, poised to continue making waves in the league.

While the bitter taste of defeat in the NFC Championship game lingers, it doesn’t overshadow the significant progress the Lions have made in restoring the franchise’s relevance. With a strong core in place, the Lions are primed for further ascent.

As the 2024 season approaches, the burning question is whether the Lions can replicate last year’s success and secure ultimate victory. Coach Dan Campbell, reflecting on the team’s accomplishments, credits both the players and the passionate fanbase for their contributions. Despite the achievements, Campbell remains focused on the ultimate goal: bringing a Super Bowl Championship to Detroit.

The coach talked about the “unfinished business” as part of a sit-down interview with Dan Miller.

Campbell’s humility and steadfast determination have been instrumental in uniting the team and fostering a culture of resilience. Everyone within the Lions organization is eager to return to work and pursue their unfinished business. With strategic acquisitions in trades and free agency, and the upcoming draft, the Lions are committed to further strengthening their roster. With all pieces coming together, they are poised to address their unfinished business and chase championship glory.

Rule change proposed by the Lions gets approved

Rule change proposed by the Lions gets approved that will allow a third coaching challenge if one earlier challenge is sucessful

One of the functions of the NFL owners’ meeting every year is the approval of new rules. This year, the league adopted one of the rules proposed by the Lions.

While it’s not the rule change that has everyone talking, it’s a good one for Detroit head coach Dan Campbell. The new rule gives coaches an additional challenge if one of their first two officiating challenges is successful. Previously, a team would have to have two successful challenges to earn a third.

It hasn’t come up for Campbell yet, as he’s unfortunately been one of the least successful coaches in challenging calls on the field. Per Pro Football Reference, Campbell failed on all four of his coaching challenges in 2023.

Texas A&M alumnus Dan Campbell will return as Detroit Lions head coach with contract extension

After leading the Lions to the NFC Championship game for the first time in 32 years, alumnus Dan Campbell has earned a contract extension.

After leading the Detroit Lions to the NFC Championship game for the first time in 32 years, Texas A&M alumnus Dan Campbell has earned a contract extension.

Campbell had an extra year added to his original deal on Thursday, keeping him in the Motor City through the 2027 season. The Lions also gave extensions to general manager Brad Holmes and Chris Spielman, the special assistant to the president/CEO & chairperson.

“We are thrilled to have Brad and Dan under contract for the next four seasons,” stated principal owner and chair Sheila Hamp. “They have been the driving force behind the rebuild of our football team and the success that we have enjoyed. The continuity they provide for our football program will continue to be the key to our future success on the field.”

Campbell has gone from biting kneecaps to becoming one of the best leaders in the NFL within three seasons

Just over three years ago on Jan. 20, 2021, Campbell was hired to lead the league’s perennial loser in Detroit. The Lions regressed in his first season, going from 5-11 in 2020 to 3-13-1.

Detroit began the 2022 season 1-6 and Campbell found himself on the hot seat. Then the Lions proceeded to win 8 of their last 10 games, including in the season finale at Green Bay to keep their bitter rivals out of the postseason, finishing 9-8 overall.

“I could not be more proud of the work that Brad, Dan and Chris have done for our organization,” stated president and CEO Rod Wood. “They have selflessly worked together to build a winning culture within the Lions. I am excited to continue working with them to create the sustained success that we envision for the team, our fans and the city of Detroit.”

Campbell rode that wave of momentum into this season, leading the Lions to a 12-5 record and the franchise’s first NFC North division title. Detroit hadn’t won their division in 30 years, dating back to an NFC Central championship in 1993.

With a 24-23 victory against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round on Jan. 14, the Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years. Detroit followed that up with a 31-23 win versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to earn its first NFC Championship game berth since the 1991 season.

Campbell and the Lions led 24-7 versus the San Francisco 49ers but ultimately lost the penultimate title contest 34-31. However, if anyone can lead Detroit to its first NFL title since 1957, it’s certainly the man with an appetite for kneecaps and he’ll be around for at least four more seasons.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

Marcus Davenport: What the Lions are getting in their free agent DE

Marcus Davenport: Breaking down the scouting report on the new Detroit Lions DE signed in free agency

It’s been no secret that the Lions needed to find improvements at certain positions on defense. Just off the top, cornerback and defensive end have been the most commonly discussed positions for improvement on defense. During the first day of free agency, the Lions jumped right in to find those improvements.

Prior to striking a deal to trade for cornerback Carlton Davis, the Lions signed defensive end Marcus Davenport. The deal is a one-year deal with a base salary of $6.5 million dollars, but it’s an incentive-based deal that can become a max deal worth $10 million dollars.

For Lions fans, you can live with a low-risk move that could pay off big time. Especially if Davenport is able to play and potentially start in 9 games or more. Health will be the key concern with Davenport. Injuries have plagued his career.

Last season, he suffered a high ankle sprain. This placed him on injured reserve and he was only limited to 4 games played. Despite only playing in four games, he was able to record 7 tackles and 2 sacks for the Vikings.

Before signing a one year deal with the Vikings in free agency last year, Davenport was a first round pick to the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft. Through five seasons with the Saints, he played in 62 games and recorded 21.5 sacks. However, injuries limited his growth and ability to stay in New Orleans or land a long-term deal anywhere else.

As Davenport entered his fifth and final season with the Saints, it was announced that he needed five off-season surgeries. Two were on his shoulder, and three were on his left hand. Aaron Glenn and Dan Campbell are familiar with Davenport, as well. After all, they were in New Orleans when the Saints selected him in the first round.

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If he can stay on the field, this would be a move that I could see pay off in a big way for the Lions defensive line. With Davenport being 6-foot-5 and 264 pounds, he fits the mold of players they’re searching for at defensive end. He should be able to provide versatility within the Lions defensive line and ultimately, he’s another chess piece for Aaron Glenn to use on defense.

Carlton Davis: What the Lions are getting in their new CB

Breaking down the scouting report on new Lions CB Carlton Davis with Russell Brown

While the fanbase of the Detroit Lions grew impatient for some type of signing on the first day of the legal tampering period in the NFL, they made a significant splash. However, this splash wasn’t a free agent signing. Instead, this was a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that sent cornerback Carlton Davis to the Lions.

So what are the Lions getting with cornerback Carlton Davis?

For starters, they’re getting a pair of 6th round picks in the 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts. Brad Holmes did it again 🙂

As for Davis, he’s a long and athletic corner that’s physical. He’ll matchup well with bigger receivers. In addition to that, he’s solid in man coverage. Last season, he allowed a 60% completion percentage, zero touchdowns and a 75.1 passer rating when targeted, per PFF. This earned him a 68.8 PFF grade in man coverage. Last season, nobody played more man coverage snaps than Cam Sutton did for the Lions. On paper, this could bode well for Davis, Sutton and the Lions defense as a whole.

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Additionally, Davis had 9 pass breakups and two interceptions last season. While I’ll need to get into the tape to confirm, he only missed 4 tackles last season as well. Getting a good tackler on the perimeter is important for most teams in the NFL, especially the Lions.

With the Lions being a heavy Cover-1 man defense and a Cover-3 zone defense, it’s important to get another cornerback that can do both. Davis is technically sound in both man and zone coverage. His physicality should be felt when pressing receivers and when playing through the hands of the receiver.

This season, Davis will be playing on the final year of his 3-year contract extension from the 2022 season. He will carry a $14.5 million dollar cap hit. If all goes right with production and health (missed 16 games in three seasons), the Lions could look into giving the 27-year old cornerback a contract extension.

It’ll be interesting to see if the Lions end up selecting a cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft. I’d have to think this move eliminates selecting one early in the draft but they should still consider one with one of their four picks on day three of the draft. For now, this should be a trade that gets Lions fans excited.

Lions may be out of pursuit for Marshon Lattimore

The Detroit Lions may be out on Marshon Lattimore. They’ve agreed to trade for another No. 1 corner from one of the Saints’ division rivals:

On the first day of the legal tampering window, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a trade with the Detroit Lions sending cornerback Carlton Davis and a couple of late-round draft picks to Detroit in exchange for a third-round pick. The addition of Davis as Detroit’s new number-one cornerback might take them out of the running for New Orleans Saints corner Marshon Lattimore, who has been the subject of trade chatter this offseason.

It was noted prior to free agency that Detroit would be aggressively pursuing the cornerback market this offseason. With the ties that Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell and his fellow defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have with the Saints, it seemed as though Detroit would be a very likely landing spot for Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore if the team does decide to move on from him.

With the Lions acquiring Davis, this just about concludes the possibility of Lattimore being shipped out to Detroit. However, what makes one wonder is the fact that the Lions didn’t have a second-round pick for flexibility to help facilitate a trade for Lattimore. Giving up a first rounder may have been too rich knowing that they wouldn’t have been picking until the late in the third round this year, but who knows.

The benefit for Saints fans is that one of the top corners in their division is out of the door and they will no longer have to worry about competing against him. And if this development helps keep Lattimore in New Orleans, well: that would be a welcome bonus.

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Marcus Davenport to reunite with his old coaches on the Lions

Marcus Davenport is planning to reunite with some of his old coaches on the Lions. It’s a Saints reunion in Detroit:

A former New Orleans Saints draft pick is headed to the Detroit Lions as Marcus Davenport agreed to a one-year deal to reunite with some of his old coaches, per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network.

Davenport started his career in New Orleans as a first-round draft pick in 2018. He spent five seasons and accumulated 21.5 sacks. He was never able to stay healthy for a full season in New Orleans and production was lacking so the two sides decided to part ways after 2022. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings for 2023, but appeared in just four games due to injury finished with two sacks.

Now, he heads to Detroit on another prove-it deal. He’ll be back with Aaron Glenn and Dan Campbell in a new environment as he tries to get his career back on track.

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