The Detroit Lions declined the fifth-year option on linebacker Jarrad Davis' rookie contract, but head coach Matt Patricia said in a Zoom call with reporters Tuesday that despite not picking up that option, Davis is still very much part of Detroit's plans on defense.
"I would say from the contract standpoint of things I usually like to keep a lot of that private from where we are right now and kind of the times that we're in right now. We just made a decision that was best for the organization," Patricia said, when asked about Davis' declined option.
"It's certainly something we talked to JD about and Bob (GM Bob Quinn) did a great job communicating all of the stuff that was going on and just trying to push forward with certainly some uncertain times as we get into the season. Right now, just thought that was the best decision."
The option would have paid Davis around $10 million next year and been guaranteed for injury only. Davis, 24, is currently scheduled to become a free agent after playing out the fourth and final year of his rookie contract in 2020.
"I would say this, there is no doubt that JD is one of our strongest leaders on defense," Patricia said. "He's a great player, someone we continue to build around. He and I just talked moreso about, 'this is a short term conversation, as far as whatever this contract situation is, and for me it's about long term.' JD is a cornerstone of what we're trying to do and he's in those big-picture plans of where we're trying to go."
Davis was the No. 21 overall pick by the Lions in the 2017 draft with a high character grade and terrific athletic traits. He's become a leader on defense and team captain, but his play on the field has been mostly up and down over the last three years. Davis struggled early with missed tackles and had issues in coverage, though to his credit, he's certainly improved the latter over the last year.
Davis' best season came in 2018, when he was one of only two players in the league to record at least 100 tackles and six sacks. He's proven to be an effective blitzer, and the Lions used him in that role successfully a lot that season.
View photos of the Detroit Lions roster as of May 1, 2020.
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Oday Aboushi (76) during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Denver. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) returns a punt for a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Denver. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Geronimo Allison (81) runs during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday Oct. 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 34-24. (Greg Trott via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Atkins (99) during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Denver. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bawden (46) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Caleb Benenoch (74) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Beau Benzschawel (63) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Buffalo Bills center Russell Bodine (66) blocks during an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, in Detroit. The Bills defeated the Lions, 24-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Victor Bolden (13) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Friday, Dec. 27, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Austin Bryant (94) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Washington tight end Hunter Bryant runs for a first down against Arizona during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Michigan Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. (58) drops into coverage during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Thursday October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants 35-14. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Ohio State defensive lineman Jashon Cornell plays against Florida Atlantic in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 in Chicago. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel (4) looks to pass on the run during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Vikings, 16-6. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Geremy Davis (11) during an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018 in Carson, Calif. The Chargers won, 24-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
LSU tight end Thaddeus Moss (81) is tackled by Auburn defensive back Jeremiah Dinson in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Notre Dame safety Jalen Elliott (21) celebrates an interception against New Mexico in the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Ford (38) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Travis Fulgham (14) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Marvin Hall
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (93) during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon (21) defends during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (25) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Frank Herron (75) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Wes Hills (36) celebrates a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. (Detroit Lions via AP).
New Mexico State running back Jason Huntley (1) sprints to the end zone followed by New Mexico safety Stanley Barnwell (9) and cornerback De'John Rogers (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Las Cruces, N.M., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Ohio State offensive lineman Jonah Jackson plays against Cincinnati during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Detroit Lions cornerback Michael Jackson (28) during a NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Denver. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 in Chicago. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) stiff-arms a defender during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (31) during a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Landover, Md. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 in Chicago. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Minnesota Vikings safety Jayron Kearse (27) runs in pass coverage during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Chicago. The Bears won 25-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during a NFL football preseason game against the Cleveland Browns Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Cleveland. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) during a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Landover, Md. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Chris Lacy (15) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Elijah Lee (47) runs upfield during a Week 7 NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers 40-10. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Tony McRae (29) celebrates during a week 2 NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 34-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (49) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) and Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Isaac Nauta (89) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Landover, Md. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Matt Nelson (67) during Day 14 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State defensive back Jeff Okudah plays against Florida Atlantic in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Julian Okwara (42) rushes the passer against New Mexico in the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Utah Utes defensive tackle John Penisini (52) in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Boulder, Colo. Utah won 30-7. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) kicks off during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Reggie Ragland (59) in action during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Bengals, 38-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) makes a tackle on special teams during a NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
New York Jets' Darryl Roberts (27) tackles Buffalo Bills' Cole Beasley (10) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Olive Sagapolu (78) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Sam (59) during practice at the Detroit Lions training facility Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
BROOKINGS, SD - OCTOBER 4: xxxxxxx (Photo by Dave Eggen/Inertia)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Danny Shelton (71) gets set at the line of scrimmage prior to the snap during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Arryn Siposs punts in week one. Kickoff Game Washington vs Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 in Atlanta, GA. Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dan Skipper (74) during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Matt Sokol (46) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Saints defeated the Chargers 19-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Kentucky guard Logan Stenberg (71) before an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Kevin Strong (92) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Georgia running back D'Andre Swift (7) runs for a touchdown during the second half an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 in Chicago. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) is seen in action during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Tampa,Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) in action during an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Falcons, 15-10. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Dee Virgin (30) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Nick Williams (97) celebrates after the play during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Vikings, 16-6. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions Jonathan Wynn (69) during a NFL football preseason game against the Cleveland Browns Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Cleveland. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Davis was expected to have a breakout season in 2019, but a severe ankle injury suffered the third week of the preseason derailed the start of his season, and he never really got on track. He finished the season on injured reserve after re-aggravating the ankle injury late in the year. In 11 games, he tallied 63 tackles, two sacks and three forced fumbles.
The Lions signed linebackers Jamie Collins Sr., Reggie Ragland and Elijah Lee in free agency, and will likely look to expand the role of Jahlani Tavai, Detroit's second-round pick a year ago.
Patricia said the team and Davis will see how this season goes, and then go from there.
