Thomas

Davis

Davis turns 38 later this month and is signing a one-day contract with the Panthers to retire as a member of the team after spending his first 14 years there before one-year stints with the Chargers and Washington. He was actually officially released by Washington on Wednesday. One of the best off-ball linebackers of his playing days, Davis overcame three torn ACLs throughout his career and went to three Pro Bowls. The 14th overall pick of the 2005 draft, Davis appeared in 199 career games, recording 29 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, 13 interceptions, and 11 fumble recoveries. He’ll likely be part of Carolina’s Ring of Honor.

37-year-old Davis originally planned to retire following the 2019 season, but he changed his mind. Injuries have helped limit Davis to only 137 snaps in 2020, his 16th season. A 2015 first-team All-Pro, Davis’ career has been one of a few huge years, injury comebacks and occasionally questionable hits. Davis lacks a Hall-of-Fame résumé, but his longevity will probably at least make it a conversation.

Davis, who reunited with his old pal Ron Rivera after recording 112 tackles for the Chargers last year, was expected to play an integral role as the veteran presence behind Washington’s star-studded (albeit youthful) front-seven. Fifth-rounder Khaleke Hudson will play a rotational role in Thomas’ stead on Sunday.

With Brandon Short and Chris Draft struggling with injuries, the Panthers need Davis more at linebacker than strong safety. That’s good news for his IDP owners.

If you’ve played for or coached with Ron Rivera before, then chances are you’ll be signed by Washington this offseason. Davis became an All-Pro talent under Rivera in Carolina, but proved he can still play football well into his 30s with the Chargers last season. In Los Angeles, he made 122 tackles, his highest since 2013. Expect Davis to compete for a starting role, but Rivera is probably most excited about Davis’ leadership as he builds the culture in Washington.

The Redskins connection is obvious — Davis played under Ron Rivera for eight seasons with the Panthers before a one-year stint in LA. Washington could use a veteran presence at linebacker with Jon Bostic a free agent and may take a look at Davis if he doesn’t retire. Entering his age-37 season, Davis shouldn’t cost much on a prove-it deal.

Davis signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the Bolts last season but only made it through half the deal with the Chargers now creating cap space. Especially for a 36-year-old, Davis had an impressive 2019 season, compiling 112 tackles across 16 games. His experience and leadership will make him a quality depth piece if he wants to continue playing. The Chargers also cut DL Brandon Mebane on Friday morning.

Davis had spent the entirety of his 14-year career with the Panthers, the team which made him the 14th overall pick of the 2005 draft, but they decided to move on this offseason. Unsurprisingly, Davis quickly found a new home with a team which should compete this season. Given the Chargers’ depth chart, Davis could be asked to shoulder a big load.

Going on 36, Davis has spent his entire 14-year career in Carolina. Although not the player he once was, Davis has moved on from his mid-career ACL woes to become an iron man in the middle of the field. After serving a four-game steroid suspension in 2018, Davis played 649 effective snaps. He should draw interest as a role player/extra coach on defense.

Davis should offer an immediate boost to a defense which has been middling in his absence. Originally set to retire after this season, Davis now would be open to returning “if the team will have [him] back.” This suspension likely had something to do with the change of heart.