Lions training camp suddenly a battleground for vet chasing massive payday

Marcus Davenport’s second stint with the Detroit Lions comes with some decent upside. But it also comes with a steep climb. After re-signing on a one-year, $2.5 million deal that could balloon to $4.75 million with incentives, the veteran edge rusher is hoping to finally stay healthy and cash in on a bounce-back year. However unlikely that seems, that's the goal for Davenport, the org, and the fans.

That won’t be easy, though. Davenport has played in just six total games over the past two seasons, including only two with the Lions last year before a torn triceps ended his season early. The front office knew the risk but also saw the potential. His 2021 season in New Orleans — where he notched 9 sacks and 21 pressures — remains the peak version they’re hoping to see again.

Detroit’s clearly betting on upside. But the money says everything. Davenport’s contract is structured like a high-reward flyer, loaded with per-game bonuses and sack-based incentives that depend entirely on health and availability. This is a make-or-break, pressure-filled season for the vet.

Training camp will be Davenport’s first real shot to show he’s healthy and ready to handle a full workload... or whether someone deeper on the depth chart is gearing up to steal his reps. Either way, the Lions will be paying attention.

Marcus Davenport has near-vertical path to reach contract bonuses in 2025

According to Spotrac, Davenport can earn an additional $500,000 if he records 8 sacks in 2025. That figure bumps up to $1.25 million if he hits 11 sacks. These thresholds aren’t cumulative — he’ll only be paid the higher of the two — but even reaching the first number would be a breath of fresh air.

Expectations in Detroit are clear. Davenport is penciled in as the starting edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who's also working on getting back to full strength. That alone puts him in position for volume. But whether he can stay on the field long enough to meet those expectations is the bigger concern.

The Lions’ depth at the position has improved with the additions of Ahmed Hassanein (drafted this year) and Al-Quadin Muhammad (brought in last year), but this remains Davenport’s job to lose.

The 28-year-old showed flashes in Week 1 last year — including four QB hits — before landing back on the injury report. That brief glimpse of impact is part of why the Lions gave him a second chance. The team believes there’s still something to unlock. If he can string together a healthy season, maybe production might follow. But with history working against him, the road to hitting his incentives is long.

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