The Detroit Lions made an investment in their pass-rushing group this offseason by signing veteran defensive end Marcus Davenport, but an analyst warns that the move could fail. The Lions hired the 27-year-old defensive end to a one-year, $6.5-million contract this summer in an effort to provide a consistent pass-rushing presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson. There are worries about Davenport’s role, with Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon predicting he might be the team’s “biggest bust” in 2024.
Still, Kenyon believes Davenport’s signing could be a low-risk move for the Lions.
“Considering the overall strength of the team—still a wild thing to say about Dercustroit—taking a flier on Marcus Davenport was a sound decision,” Kenyon wrote. “If he works out, great! If not, it was a one-year deal. Unfortunately, the latter is quite possible. Davenport has routinely struggled with injuries and volatile production in six NFL seasons.”
Adding ‘More Juice’ to Detroit’s Defense
Davenport was a former first-round choice of the New Orleans Saints in 2018, although he has never had more than ten sacks in any of his six NFL seasons. Colton Pouncy of The Athletic observed that Davenport had a solid season with the Saints in 2021, with 9.0 sacks and 39 total tackles, but questioned whether he could match that performance in Detroit. “Of course, that was three years ago, and a lot has changed,” Pouncy wrote in March, just after the Lions signed the veteran defensive end. “If Davenport is healthy and able to perform at that level, this contract has the potential to age well. “A big if, though.”
But Pouncy also speculated that Davenport could still make an impact on a Lions defense that lost some veterans this offseason.
“Detroit was always going to need more juice in its defensive line room,” Pouncy wrote. “Pairing Hutchinson with a solid secondary pass rusher could open up so much for this Detroit defense, making life easier for Hutchinson and a weak secondary looking to improve.”
Aidan Hutchinson Ready for Big Season
While the Lions are still seeking for a capable counterpart, Hutchinson has established himself as a rising star in the NFL. Last season, he recorded 11.5 sacks and 51 total tackles, earning a Pro Bowl spot and justifying the Lions’ No. 2 overall pick in 2022. Hutchinson told ESPN on July 8 that he has been working to improve in several areas.
