It sounds like Jarrad Davis will be hitting free agency sooner than expected. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the Lions won’t be picking up the linebacker’s fifth-year option. Davis will now become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Detroit selected the Florida product with the 21st-overall pick in the 2017 draft, making him the second linebacker off the board (Haason Reddick). Davis has been relatively productive during his three seasons in Detroit, compiling 259 tackles, 10 sacks, and five forced fumbles in 41 games (41 starts).
That includes a 2019 campaign where he compiled a career-high three forced fumbles to go along with two sacks and 63 tackles. However, Davis was limited to only 11 games thanks to an ankle injury, and before landing on the IR, Pro Football Focus listed him as the lowest-rated linebacker in the NFL. The Lions front office apparently agreed with that assessment, leading to them declining his fifth-year option.
The Lions have been busy revamping their linebacker depth chart this offseason, bringing in Jamie Collins Sr., Reggie Ragland and Elijah Lee. Detroit also selected Notre Dame linebacker Julian Okwara in the third round of last week’s draft.
I wish him the best of luck in the future. I think he will be on a NFL roster somewhere else
Bears love LBs and the Jags love Florida players so he could land with either of those teams.
Will be a pro-bowler for New England in 2021.
“Davis has been relatively productive during his three seasons in Detroit,…” “… Pro Football Focus listed him as the lowest-rated linebacker in the NFL. ”
Both statements are opinions, the former from the author Ben Levine, the latter from a source known for player assessments. That both were included in the same article with it not being a compare and contrast piece tells you how far journalism has fallen.
I think you’re wrong. “Productive” here indicates compiling stats and playing time, IMO.
Ask for a refund.
Bingo!