On Tuesday, the NFL’s deadline for teams to apply the franchise or transition tag passed quietly for the Detroit Lions, marking the seventh consecutive year the team has chosen not to utilize this option. While the majority of the league followed suit, only two teams decided to lock in key players with the franchise tag for the 2025 season: the Cincinnati Bengals, who tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins for a hefty $26.2 million, and the Kansas City Chiefs, who secured guard Trey Smith for $23.4 million. For Detroit, however, the decision to forego the tag has shifted the spotlight onto one of their most intriguing free agents—cornerback Carlton Davis—and what his future might hold.

Heading into the offseason, the Lions weren’t widely expected to use the franchise or transition tag, a tool that allows teams to retain a player for one year at a premium salary or negotiate matching rights if another team makes an offer. Still, Carlton Davis stood out as a candidate worth considering. The talented cornerback, set to hit free agency, has earned significant respect within the Lions’ organization for his on-field performance and locker-room presence. With Detroit facing both immediate and long-term needs at the cornerback position, the franchise tag could have been a strategic move to keep Davis off the open market. Depending on whether they opted for the exclusive tag (preventing other teams from negotiating with him) or the non-exclusive version (allowing offers but giving Detroit the right to match), the Lions could have bought time to secure his services.

However, the steep cost of the franchise tag likely played a major role in Detroit’s decision. For a cornerback, the tag carries a one-year price tag of $20.2 million, calculated as the average of the top five salaries at the position. While this could have served as a temporary measure—giving the Lions leverage to hammer out a long-term contract with Davis—the team ultimately chose not to commit to such a significant financial placeholder. Instead, they’ve rolled the dice, opting to navigate the unpredictable waters of free agency without the safety net of the tag.

So, what’s next for Carlton Davis and the Lions? The clock is now ticking. Detroit has until 12 p.m. ET on Monday, March 10, to strike a deal with Davis and their other unrestricted free agents. If no agreement is reached by that deadline, the NFL’s tampering period will kick off, allowing agents to begin discussions with other teams. Formal contracts with new teams can then be signed starting at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 12. For the Lions, this tight timeline adds pressure to their offseason strategy, especially given their need for reliable cornerbacks to bolster a defense that has shown promise but still has room to grow.

Davis, acquired by the Lions in a midseason trade in 2022, has proven himself as a valuable asset. His ability to shadow top receivers and disrupt passing games has made him a fan favorite and a key piece of Detroit’s secondary. Losing him could leave a noticeable gap, particularly as the team aims to build on its recent success and push deeper into playoff contention. Yet, bypassing the franchise tag signals that the Lions’ front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, may have a different plan in mind—whether that’s confidence in negotiating a multi-year deal with Davis at a lower annual rate or a willingness to explore other options in free agency or the draft.

For Lions fans, this decision adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already pivotal offseason. The team has steadily climbed out of years of mediocrity, and retaining talent like Davis could be a statement of intent. On the flip side, letting him test the market risks losing a proven contributor at a position where depth is critical. As March 10 approaches, all eyes will be on Detroit’s next move. Will they lock down Davis before he hears offers from rival teams, or will they pivot to a new strategy entirely? One thing is certain: the Lions’ choice to skip the franchise tag has set the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the free agency arena.