This Lions-Steelers Trade for Jarrad Davis Could Provide Pittsburgh With Another Intriguing LB Project
By Mark Powell
With Bud Dupree on the franchise tag and TJ Watt in need of a new contract, the Steelers need to start thinking long-term at the LB position. So why not take a flyer on a former first-round pick?
The Lions declined Jarrad Davis' fifth-year option on Saturday, opening up the possibility of the Florida product leaving them high and dry next offseason. Rather than risk such a possibility, Detroit should get what they can for Davis now, and provide him with a change of scenery.
The Steelers have long had success in getting the best out of so-called projects at the linebacker position. Davis could call next.
The #Lions are not expected to pick up the fifth-year option for 2017 first-round LB Jarrad Davis, source said. Davis now becomes a free agent after the 2020 season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 2, 2020
Davis struggles mightily in coverage, but as a rotational backer the Steelers could use him primarily in run-stopping situations and blitz packages. Pittsburgh has a habit of playing to the strengths of individual talents, and Davis can succeed if he's placed in a position to do so.
Why teach an old dog new tricks if you don't have to? At the very least, Pittsburgh can buy time for the likes of Watt and Dupree to take a play off every now and then.
Lions 2017 draft:
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) May 2, 2020
•1st round - Jarrad Davis
•2nd round - Teez Tabor
•3rd round - Kenny Golladay
•4th round - Jalen Reeves-Maybin
•4th round - Michael Roberts
•5th round - Jamal Agnew
•6th round - Jeremiah Ledbetter
•6th round - Brad Kaaya
•7th round - Pat O’Connor
Davis is cheap, as he's making just under $2 million next season. To acquire him, Pittsburgh would likely only have to dish out a fifth-round pick, which is fair compensation for a player of Davis' caliber.