Detroit Lions’ Star Carlton Davis Could Join New York Jets Under Aaron Glenn
The recent shakeup in the coaching staff of the Detroit Lions, with the departure of coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, has sparked speculation about potential movements of not just coaching staff but also players. In particular, the possibility of Lions’ standout cornerback Carlton Davis following Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets has garnered attention. Davis, who is a pending free agent after completing a one-year, $14.5 million deal with Detroit, could be a valuable addition to the Jets’ roster under Glenn’s guidance.
A Potential Reunion
Mason Cameron from Pro Football Focus suggests that the Jets could be an ideal destination for Carlton Davis. Despite his season being cut short due to a broken jaw in Week 15, Davis displayed exceptional skills in the Lions’ secondary. His ability to disrupt passing attacks was evident, with 11 forced incompletions ranking him ninth in the NFL by the 15th week of the season. Cameron points out that reuniting with Aaron Glenn, who is now the Jets’ head coach, could be a strategic move for Davis. Glenn’s defensive schemes, particularly emphasizing press coverage, align well with Davis’ strengths. Notably, Davis excelled in press situations, allowing only seven open targets while playing a significant number of press snaps.
Jets’ Defensive Considerations
The potential interest from the Jets in acquiring Davis could hinge on the future of D.J. Reed, who has been a solid No. 2 cornerback for the team alongside Sauce Gardner. Reed, like Davis, is also set to hit free agency, and his departure seems probable. Davis, with a completion rate of 55.3% and a passer rating of 77.0 when targeted in 2024, appears to be a promising replacement for Reed on paper.
However, Davis’ injury history poses a concern. Despite his on-field prowess, Davis has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, never completing a full season and frequently missing games. This aspect might factor into the decision-making process for both the Lions and the Jets.
The Case for Davis
Brad Holmes, Lions’ general manager, commended Davis for his performance, highlighting improvements in his play compared to previous seasons. With uncertainty surrounding Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Davis could be a valuable asset for Detroit. Additionally, Glenn, transitioning to a new coaching role in New York, might find Davis appealing due to his experience and leadership qualities, which could benefit the Jets’ defense significantly.
In conclusion, the potential move of Carlton Davis from the Detroit Lions to the New York Jets under Aaron Glenn’s leadership presents an intriguing scenario that could reshape the defensive landscape for both teams. Davis’ skill set and familiarity with Glenn’s coaching style make him a compelling candidate for the Jets, offering stability and expertise in the secondary. As the offseason progresses, the dynamics of this prospective player transfer will undoubtedly be closely monitored by football enthusiasts.
