Even after turning down Jarrad Davis‘ fifth-year option, the young linebacker remains in the team’s plans, head coach Matt Patricia says (via the team website). With the option declined, Davis is currently set to reach free agency after the 2020 season.
[RELATED: These 2017 First-Rounders Had Their Options Declined]
“I would say this, there is no doubt that JD is one of our strongest leaders on defense,” Patricia said of the former No. 21 overall pick. “He’s a great player, someone we continue to build around. He and I just talked moreso about, ‘this is a short term conversation, as far as whatever this contract situation is, and for me it’s about long term.’ JD is a cornerstone of what we’re trying to do and he’s in those big-picture plans of where we’re trying to go.”
Even though Patricia sees the potential, the Lions weren’t comfortable with extending Davis for another year at $10MM, guaranteed for injury. The young ‘backer has shown flashes, but he’s lacked consistency. In 2018, he registered 100 tackles and six sacks. Last year, he lost a big chunk of his year to injuries and finished out with just 63 stops and two sacks.
Heading into the option deadline, no one was quite sure which way the Lions would go. Davis has shown to be effective on the blitz, but his tackling in open space and coverage has left much to be desired. If Davis can put it all together this year, however, the Lions could revisit long-term discussions. Davis could also be a trade candidate, given their uncertainty about him, but it sounds like he’ll stay put for this year, if we’re taking Patricia’s comments at face value.
Jarrad Davis as a defensive cornerstone? Is Matt Patricia watching the same player?
He’s just saving face for he and Quinn. He’s one of the babies they overdrafted, and passed on much more sensible options to take, so they have to dig their heels in now against those who’ll point to JD as yet another failed pick (which he is at this point.)
He was drafted about where should have been taken. Players taken after him are playing a lot worse.
I’m not criticizing the pick. It’s Davis’ fault for not living up to expectations. However, when you have a sunken cost, it’s up to management to recognize the deficiency and adjust the roster accordingly. Grading out as one of the worst starting linebackers in the league is justification for demotion
If I remember, the pick was well received. It was between him, Reddick and Foster. Watt wasn’t even in the conversation & he looks to be the best. All others had their options declined
Not sure why Patricia would toss around words like “cornerstone” or “big picture plans” when his own future in Detroit could be circling the drain if the Lions don’t improve on 3 wins.