Carlton Davis III: Unraveling the Future of a Former Auburn Star After Six Seasons in Tampa Bay

The NFL is a league of constant motion, where careers ebb and flow, and loyalty is often measured in production and cap space. For Carlton Davis III, the former Auburn cornerback who spent six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his tenure was a significant chapter, marked by a Super Bowl victory and numerous battles against the league’s top receivers. However, as the dust settles on his time in Tampa Bay, the question naturally arises: what does the future hold for a player of his caliber, and specifically, does he have a path back to the Buccaneers?

Davis’s journey with the Buccaneers began in 2018 when he was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. From the outset, he was tasked with a demanding role, often lining up against the opposition’s primary wideout. His physicality, length, and competitive demeanor quickly became hallmarks of his game. Over his six seasons in Tampa, Davis amassed impressive statistics: 9 interceptions, 73 passes defended, and 324 total tackles in 76 games, 75 of which were starts. He was a key component of a Buccaneers defense that, for stretches, was among the league’s elite, culminating in their Super Bowl LV triumph in 2021. His performance in that championship run, often matched up against the Chiefs’ dynamic receiving corps, solidified his reputation as a reliable, big-game performer.

However, the latter part of his Buccaneers tenure was also punctuated by injuries. While he was a consistent starter, various ailments, including toe, hip, and groin issues, limited his availability and, at times, his effectiveness. In his final season with the Buccaneers in 2023, he played in 12 games, recording two interceptions and nine passes defended. These injuries, combined with the financial realities of the NFL, often play a significant role in a team’s decision-making regarding veteran players.

The decision by the Buccaneers to trade Davis to the Detroit Lions in March of 2024 was a clear signal of a new direction. This move, which netted the Buccaneers a third-round pick (later used to select wide receiver Jalen McMillan), was a reflection of the team’s ongoing roster adjustments and a strategic play for future cap flexibility. While Davis went on to play 13 games for the Lions in 2024, recording two interceptions and 11 passes defended before his season was cut short by a broken jaw, his journey highlights the transient nature of professional football. He then signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the New England Patriots in March 2025, which included $34.5 million fully guaranteed. This significant contract indicates that despite his injury history, other teams still value his skillset and believe he can be a top-tier cornerback.

The Buccaneers, in the meantime, have been actively shaping their cornerback room. Jamel Dean, another former Auburn teammate of Davis, remains a cornerstone of their secondary, having signed a four-year contract extension in March 2022. Zyon McCollum, drafted in 2022, has emerged as a versatile and athletic option, capable of playing both outside and in the slot. Christian Izien, an undrafted rookie in 2023, also impressed, particularly in the nickel package. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Buccaneers further bolstered their cornerback depth by drafting Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, two promising rookies who will compete for roles alongside the established veterans. This injection of youth and talent suggests a commitment to developing their own defensive backfield.

So, could Carlton Davis III ever find himself back in a Buccaneers uniform? The immediate answer, and perhaps the most realistic one, is unlikely. His current contract with the New England Patriots is substantial, making a return to Tampa Bay in the near future financially improbable. The Buccaneers have clearly shifted their resources and focus towards building through the draft and developing younger talent at the cornerback position. They have invested in players like McCollum, Morrison, and Parrish, who represent the future of their secondary.

Furthermore, the NFL’s salary cap structure and the need for teams to constantly manage their financial commitments make it challenging to bring back players who have signed large contracts elsewhere. While Davis’s talent is undeniable, his injury history and the presence of ascending young players on the Buccaneers’ roster would likely make a reunion a complex proposition.

However, in the unpredictable world of the NFL, “never say never” often applies. Player careers extend, roles change, and team needs evolve. Should Davis’s tenure in New England not pan out as expected, or if the Buccaneers find themselves in a desperate need for veteran cornerback depth several years down the line, a return might, in some distant and unforeseen scenario, become a remote possibility. But for now, the Buccaneers have moved forward, and Carlton Davis III has embarked on a new chapter with the New England Patriots. His legacy in Tampa Bay, highlighted by a Super Bowl ring and countless impactful plays, is secure, but his future, at least for the foreseeable future, lies outside the Bay. The team’s investment in youth and their current financial commitments at the position signal a definitive shift away from their former stalwart.