Davenport, 27, joined the Lions on a one-year, $6.5 million contract to provide a consistent pass-rushing option alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Yet, questions about his role remain, with Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon suggesting he might be the team’s “biggest bust” in 2024.
Nonetheless, Kenyon views Davenport’s signing as a low-risk gamble for the Lions.
“Given the team’s overall strength—still surprising to say about Detroit—taking a chance on Marcus Davenport was a sensible choice,” Kenyon wrote. “If he excels, fantastic! If not, it’s just a one-year deal. Unfortunately, the latter is quite possible. Davenport has frequently dealt with injuries and inconsistent production over his six NFL seasons.”
Boosting Detroit’s Defense
Davenport, a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2018, has never achieved double-digit sacks in a season. The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy pointed out that Davenport had a productive 2021 season with 9.0 sacks and 39 tackles for the Saints but questioned if he could replicate that in Detroit.
“Of course, that was three years ago and much has changed,” Pouncy wrote in March after the Lions signed Davenport. “If he’s healthy and can return to that level, this contract could be a bargain. Big if, though.”
Pouncy also noted that Davenport could still positively impact a Lions defense that lost some veterans this offseason.
“Detroit needed more energy in its defensive line,” Pouncy wrote. “Pairing Hutchinson with a reliable secondary pass rusher could significantly enhance the Lions’ defense, easing pressure on Hutchinson and aiding a weak secondary looking to improve.”
Aidan Hutchinson Primed for a Big Season
While the Lions seek a solid counterpart, Hutchinson has emerged as an NFL star. Last season, he recorded 11.5 sacks and 51 tackles, earned a Pro Bowl spot, and validated the No. 2 overall pick the Lions used on him in 2022.
Hutchinson told ESPN on July 8 that he’s been focusing on various areas for improvement.
“It’s tough to pinpoint, but consistency is key. Consistency in workouts, diet, nutrition—everything,” Hutchinson said. “These factors build up each year, along with your game knowledge. As these elements improve, you keep leveling up as a player.”
Hutchinson has also become a vocal team leader, expressing confidence in the Lions’ potential this season.
“It’s amazing. There’s a lot of hype around this year, and it’s well-deserved,” Hutchinson said. “Our team understands the significance of this season, we know what we have, and we’re all ready.”