The Detroit Lions are revisiting the 'Davenport Experience' for a second straight year.
Defensive end Marcus Davenport was re-signed by the Detroit Lions on Saturday. Davenport, 28, played his first five NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2018 to 2022.
First reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Davenport's new deal with Detroit is for one year and a reported $4.75 million dollars. He was with the Lions last year, but injuries limited him to only two games.
Injuries have always been the story with Marcus Davenport. He's never played a full season and has appeared in more than 11 games just twice in a seven-year career.
The Saints traded up in the 2018 NFL Draft to select Davenport out of UTSA with the 14th overall choice. He showed tons of potential as a rookie. But then again, he's always teased with untapped potential through every season of his disappointing career.
Oct 28, 2018; New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport (92) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8).
As a rookie, Davenport appeared in 13 regular season contests and had 4.5 sacks along with 17 pressures, 12 QB hits, and 6 tackles for loss. In 2019, Davenport would play 532 defensive snaps in 13 games, turning out to be the most of his career. He recorded 6 sacks, a career-best 26 pressures, 16 QB hits, and five tackles for negative yardage while forcing three fumbles.
Davenport was limited to just 11 games in 2020. He contributed 17 pressures but had only 1.5 sacks with three tackles for loss. His 2021 campaign made it look like he finally blossomed into first-round pick expectations, despite playing in 11 games.
Davenport's 2021 production included a career-high 9 sacks and 16 QB hits along with 21 pressures and three forced fumbles. With his fifth-year rookie option picked up, Davenport responded with his most disappointing production the following season.
Nov 7, 2021; New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport (92) is blocked by Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70)
In 2022, Davenport appeared in a career-best 15 games. His production, however, was abysmal. He had 14 pressures but only a half sack and two tackles for loss. After the year, the Saints were more than happy to let Davenport walk as a free agent.
The Minnesota Vikings were the next to fall victim to Davenport's potential. He'd appear in four games and managed two sacks with six pressures. However, a high ankle sprain ended his year in Week 6.
Next up for the Davenport Experience was the Detroit Lions last season. Davenport would play in only two games before his year ended with a triceps injury. He had a half sack and six pressures in those two outings.
The Lions are now doubling down on the Davenport gamble by re-signing him, albeit on a fairly team-friendly deal. Good luck with that, Detroit.
