Last offseason, the Detroit Lions had a glaring need on defense.

They badly needed to add more talent at cornerback.

As a result, the team made their biggest move of the offseason at that position.

They made a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to acquire Carlton Davis in exchange for a third-round pick.

A year later he has the opportunity to test the free agent market and it seems like that is exactly what he plans to do.

With less than a week until the NFL’s legal tampering period, Davis tweeted, “I won’t make the same mistake twice. If you want your defense upgraded yall know who to pay. Turn on the Tape!”

I won’t make the same mistake twice . If you want your defense upgraded yall know who to pay .Turn on the Tape !

— C-Murda ™ (@Carlton_Lowkey) March 5, 2025

Before this there was still some hope that the Lions would be able to retain Davis and potentially even do so before free agency opened.

This post makes it seem unlikely that will happen.

The free agent class at cornerback isn’t the strongest and Davis is one of the top names in that class. He is sure to attract some big offers once teams can start talking to him.

Davis is coming off of a solid season despite his injuries issues in 2024. He held opposing QBs to a 55.3% completion percentage when they threw his way in his lone season with the Lions.

The Lions definitely still have a need at cornerback as the two they drafted last offseason still need to prove themselves. That will likely leave them looking for a veteran at the position, but it will be tough for them to win a bidding war for Davis.

They are working on a contract extension for Aidan Hutchinson and are probably going to work one out for Kerby Joseph as well.

That’s going to eat up some of their spending ability and the team has some other needs on the roster.

Free agency should treat Davis well, but it will also likely leave the Lions needing a corner again this offseason.