NFL free agency is officially underway, and Brad Holmes has landed a big fish for the Detroit Lions.

Carlton Davis III Out

Only one season after being acquired via trade (2024 third-round, sixth-round, and a 2025 sixth-round) from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carlton Davis III is no longer a Lion. Davis was Detroit’s best corner last season, holding opposing quarterbacks to a 55.1 percent completion rate and a 62.7 passer rating when he was targeted. While on the field, he racked up 11 passes defended and two interceptions, but a broken jaw led to Davis being sidelined, causing him to only start in 13 games.

While Lions fans and management would’ve loved to see Davis return to the pride on a long-term deal, it didn’t seem likely to happen. Davis had a few things to say during an interview with Mike Silver of The Athletic, but it could all be summed up in one sentence.

“This time, I ain’t gonna settle for less.”

D.J. Reed In

The sting of losing Carlton Davis lasted only about half an hour, as Brad Holmes quickly pivoted to secure D.J. Reed to Detroit on a three-year, $48 million deal that includes $32 million guaranteed. Reed has been one of the league’s most underrated cornerbacks and now will most likely earn the CB1 job with the Lions, barring a great campaign from Terrion Arnold, Amik Roberston, or Ennis Rakestraw.

Detroit Lions' newest cornerback, D.J. Reed
Detroit’s newest cornerback, D.J. Reed

Reed was a nightmare for QBs last season, allowing just 46.3 percent of passes to be completed when challenged and only giving up two TDs and a 63.0 passer rating. Reed did have a tendency to be a little too sticky in coverage last year. However, he’s a certified DAWG and fits the GRIT mentality demanded in Detroit.

End Of My Lions Rant

After landing D.J. Reed, it’s unlikely the Lions will make any other significant moves during free agency. Brad Holmes will most likely adjust his sights to depth pieces while working to retain pending Lions FAs. Reed, Arnold, and Robertson, with Kerby Jospeph and Brian Branch, will be a disgusting secondary that should have Detroit fans salivating. All signs also point to Holmes targeting a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson in the first round of the draft, who I’d be willing to bet will be Nic Scourton.

Be sure to keep up with everything in the NFL here at Stadium Rant, and follow along as I continue to cover the Lions through the rest of free agency and the draft.