The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday announced the trade of veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III to Detroit in exchange for a third-round pick in April’s NFL draft.
The Bucs send the Lions a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Bucs also officially released veteran linebacker Shaquil Barrett, a move that will provide nearly $5 million in salary cap relief.
Davis, 27, spent his first six NFL seasons with the Buccaneers and has nine interceptions, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and 324 tackles in 76 games (75 starts).
He had a career-best four interceptions in 2020 when he earned a Super Bowl ring with Tampa Bay.
“It’s always difficult to part ways with a player that has meant so much to your organization” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in a release. “Carlton was a vital member of our Super Bowl championship team and has been a tremendous teammate over the past six seasons.”
During his press conference with the Lions, Davis didn’t shy away from expectations with his new club.
“You’re about to get a lockdown corner. I’m here to take out the No. 1 receiver on any team,” Davis said Wednesday. “I’m here to deny the ball, I’m here to take the ball away.”
Barrett, 31, had an option bonus of $15.04 million due next month. The Bucs will designate the nine-year veteran as a post-June 1 cut, enabling them to divide his $26.67 million dead cap costs over 2024 and 2025. That means a $9.3 million cap hit in 2024 and $17.5 million in 2025, per reports.
After being let go, Barrett reportedly agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.
Barrett started 16 games in 2023, equaling his career high, and delivered 4.5 sacks, 52 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception (a pick-six in a Week 2 win against the Chicago Bears).
He has 59 sacks, 125 quarterback hits, 22 forced fumbles and 400 tackles in 131 games (85 starts) with the Denver Broncos (2015-18) and Buccaneers. He won Super Bowl 50 with Denver and SB LV with Tampa Bay.
“We are extremely thankful for everything Shaq brought to our organization over the last five years,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said in a release. “He was an impactful player and a tremendous person, who was a key part of the successes we have had here. These are always difficult decisions, but this one was that much harder due to the special feelings we have for Shaq, Jordanna and the Barrett family.”
