The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have exchanged cornerback Carlton Davis with the Detroit Lions in return for a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, alongside sixth-round picks in both the 2024 and 2025 drafts. This move fills a crucial gap in Detroit’s defense, which struggled in yielding passing yards and touchdowns last season, despite their NFC North victory and advancement to the conference-championship game.

Davis, who embarked on his NFL journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has spent all six of his professional seasons with the team. Notably, he was a consistent starter, missing just one game out of 84 during his tenure with the Bucs. His impressive track record includes playing a pivotal role in their Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on February 7, 2021.

During the 2023 season, Davis showcased his skills in 12 games, accumulating 52 tackles, two interceptions, and nine passes defended. Throughout his NFL career, he has amassed 324 tackles, nine interceptions, and 73 passes defended in regular-season matchups.

Currently, Davis finds himself in the final stretch of a lucrative three-year contract worth $44.5 million, which prevented him from hitting free agency after the 2021 season. In the upcoming 2024 season, he is set to earn a base salary of $14 million.