Jaguars Preparing Free Agent Pursuit Of CB Carlton Davis?

The Jaguars turned their free agent attention toward retaining in-house players last offseason, with the likes of Trevor LawrenceJosh Hines-Allen and Walker Little receiving lucrative extensions. A major pursuit of numerous outside options should not be expected in 2025, but one potential target has been linked to Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is set to “gauge the market” on Carlton Davis, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes. The veteran corner spent his first six years with the Buccaneers, serving as a full-time starter during that stretch. Given Tampa Bay’s other investments in the secondary, though, the team traded Davis to the Lions last March.

The 28-year-old faced high expectations as part of Detroit’s multi-faceted efforts to improve at the cornerback position. Davis started all 13 of his Lions games but his campaign was ended due to a broken jaw. That missed time could hurt his value, but after posting a pair of interceptions and 11 pass deflections in 2024 the former second-rounder could still stand to do well in free agency. As of January, no talks on a re-up with Detroit had taken place.

Davis – whom Fowler had previously named as a potential Jaguars target – inked a three-year, $44.5MM Bucs extension in 2022. Corners rarely have the opportunity to secure lucrative third pacts during their careers, but his age and ball production (11 career interceptions, 84 pass breakups, four forced fumbles) could lead to strong outside interest. With more than $38MM in cap space, Jacksonville could afford a notable investment in Davis on the open market.

The new regime led by James Gladstone and Liam Coen faces a number of key decisions this offseason, but upgrading in the secondary is an obvious priority. The Jags finished last in the NFL in passing yards allowed in 2024 and they recorded only six interceptions. Tyson Campbell was among the players to receive large paydays last offseason, inking an extension averaging $19.13MM per year. No other major contracts are on the books at the cornerback position, but that could change if Davis reaches the market and entertains the idea of heading to Duval County.

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