In his first media session with the New England Patriots, former Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis opened up about why he decided to leave Detroit for a three-year, $60 million contract. Davis, who joins former Lions D-Line coach Terrell Williams in New England, reflected on the opportunity for a new chapter in his career.

A New Opportunity

“Me being a priority. Being able to come here and do something historical here in a historical place,” Davis said, explaining what ultimately led to his decision. “I’ve always been a fan of Mike (Vrabel), even down in Tennessee. Big T (Terrell Williams) coming here and being a DC. Just knowing how he was as a coach, understanding the room I am coming into, the talent I could play with, and just the ability to be able to come somewhere and build something from where I started.”

A Fond Farewell to Detroit

Davis also spoke highly of his time in Detroit, saying, “Legacy was big for me in Detroit. I had a good run with them. I can’t lie, I had a good season with them. It was a lot of fun with those guys.” However, despite his successful tenure in Detroit, he felt the need for a new challenge, one where he could step up as a leader and help build a successful future.

The Decision to Lead

“I wanted to be somewhere where I felt like I was a priority, to be somewhere where I could come here and build and I could be a leader,” Davis explained. “In this league, there’s a short time, and you want to make it really efficient.”

Though he praised the Lions for their progress, Davis acknowledged that the opportunity to be a part of something new in New England was what ultimately motivated him to make the move. “Detroit has a great thing going (too), but I feel like we have a great thing going here.”

Davis’ departure marks the end of his short tenure in Detroit, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter with the Patriots, where he will look to make an impact and help build a defense that aims for greatness.