The Detroit Lions haven't had a huge offseason in terms of adding outside talent so far, and that is a bit surprising given their perceived needs on defense.
Many believed that the Lions need an established addition at pass rusher. They found one early in free agency, but as it turns out, he already played on their roster in 2024. Marcus Davenport returned on a one-year deal, and will try to prove that the injury situation which cost him last year was nothing but a fluke he will quickly bounce back from.
As much as fans were frustrated by losing a key piece after Week 2, Davenport himself hated having to endure another injury and witnessing his teammates try to pick up the slack. That disappointment is driving him into 2025.
"It was horrible. Another year of sitting out and being sidelined so early and then just having to look at my guys take up the load that I was supposed to carry. Where do I see myself? I would say with this many setbacks, I had to focus on myself. So I'm just trying to do everything I can right now to be ready and prepared for (my teammates)."
That preparation, Davenport hopes, will lead him to finding the kind of consistency he needs in order to round out his game.
"The biggest thing, especially from missing these years, would be consistency in work. I think going into the season last year they were able to give me consistent snaps and then build upon that and then by the time the first game came around, I felt a whole lot better. I just know the only thing that can make me feel better at this point is reps."
The Lions hope that Davenport can turn things around, and given who was released and the lack of outside veteran additions, it's clear he will be under pressure to carry a massive load this season. Hopefully the offseason reps get him in a place where he can be depended upon.
Marcus Davenport eager to prove he can be a durable force with Aidan Hutchinson
This coming season, Davenport will team up with Aidan Hutchinson to try and provide pass rush punch for the Lions. Being able to pair with Hutchinson is a blessing for any defender, but Davenport knows the union won't mean much unless he is able to step up and prove he can stay healthy this season first and foremost.
"For some reason, every time I think of that situation (with Aidan Hutchinson), I kind of shoot (backward). I need to get on the field first. I need to prove myself as a healthy component and everything else I think will fall in place. Once I prove it to myself, then everything else I think should take care of itself."
With these comments, Davenport seems to understand the pressure he is under in Detroit. The Lions will be depending on him for big results, and the hope is that he can stay healthy and become the kind of running mate that Hutchinson has deserved.
