Carlton Davis finally landed the payday he has yearned for since deciding to stay in Tampa and chase rings back in 2022. Davis signed a three-year $60 million contract with the New England Patriots; which includes $34.5 million in guaranteed money.
After playing well on his “prove it” deal in Detroit, Davis landed at the top of many teams' free agent boards. Davis brought stability to the Lions' secondary during a year Detroit was plagued with injuries, attaining a defensive grade of 74.5 from Pro Football Focus.
Davis, drafted in 2018 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was traded to the Lions during the 2023 offseason a year after signing his team-friendly extension, a three-year 44.5 million dollar deal, in 2022. He then signed a one-year, $14.5 million deal with Detroit to be the veteran presence they desperately needed.
Davis filled that role perfectly until breaking his jaw in Week 15 which ended his season.
Davis is a perfect fit for Mike Vrable and the New England Patriots. He is physical, has sound tackling for defending the run, and can take away a side of the field with his range of play. His veteran leadership can also help mentor Christian Gonzalez into a superstar and leader when the time comes.
Davis joins fellow Auburn alumni Jamien Sherwood (Jets), Darius Slayton (Giants), and Jarrett Stidham (Broncos) as big payday-getters. More figures to continue to come for other Tigers.
So far, it's been a very lucrative offseason for AU alums in NFL free agency.