March 11 may have been the first day to negotiation with unrestricted free agents. But the Detroit Lions used the trade route to improve their roster with veteran cornerback Carlton Davis.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Lions acquired Davis from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Lions will also receive a 2024 sixth-round pick and 2025 sixth-rounder in exchange for a 2024 third-round choice.
Lions Trade Third-Round Pick for CB Carlton Davis
Detroit entered NFL free agency with an obvious need at cornerback.
The Lions were 27th in passing yards allowed per game and 29th in net yards yielded per pass attempt in 2023. Furthermore, veteran cornerbacks Kindle Vildor, Khalil Dorsey and Jerry Jacobs were all set to leave in NFL free agency.