Report: Former Auburn cornerback Carlton Davis makes NFL free agency decision

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a couple of busy days, mainly because quarterback Tom Brady announced he would be returning for the 2022 season. Since the announcement, a few key free agency decisions have been made, attempting to hoist another Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year.

On Monday, another important player was signed to a long-term extension in cornerback Carlton Davis. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Davis will be re-signing with the Buccaneers on a three-year deal. The former Auburn Tigers star will be making $45 million throughout the contract.

Schefter said getting Davis to return was “one of the franchise’s primary off-season goals.” Davis has been a vital part of Tampa Bay’s defense over the past four seasons, starting in all but one game he has ever played in. Now, he will be staying with the franchise for at least another three years.

Davis was a second-round pick for the Buccaneers during the 2018 NFL draft, selecting him after being a three-year starter for Auburn. Since then, the cornerback has appeared in 51 games and started in 50. Last season, Davis only played in 10 games, missing time thanks to an injury. He was still able to record an interception and recover a fumble.

In pass coverage throughout his career, Davis has 52 passes defended and six interceptions. Not many cornerbacks have been better than the Tampa Bay man, locking down some of the best wide receivers in the league.

Before free agency began, Davis was ranked as one of the top 25 defensive players to enter the open market. Coming in at No. 6, three other defensive backs ranked ahead of him, headlined by recently paid cornerback J.C. Jackson of the Los Angeles Chargers. Davis is now off the market with Tampa Bay securing one of the top players in the NFL.

The Buccaneers will fully be trying to run this season and have done a good job keeping the core together. Alongside Brady, center Ryan Jansen recently signed a new contract as well, keeping one of the most important members of the offensive line in town. Most of the same pieces from the Super Bowl-winning team are back as well, hoping to take advantage of what is a weaker NFC this season.

Especially in the NFC South where the three other teams are going through a transitional period. The Carolina Panthers are reportedly interested in trading for Deshaun Watson but the New Orleans Saints are under a first-year head coach and the Atlanta Falcons are still trying to fully complete their mini rebuild.