Not many NFL players boosted their reputation in 2020 more than Mike Davis, but where are his potential landing spots in free agency in 2021? Let’s take a look at some of the potential destinations for Davis in the coming offseason.

Mike Davis Landing Spots

Mike Davis became a fantasy football darling during the 2020 NFL season, but how will that translate for potential landing spots when 2021 free agency begins?

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons should be an intriguing potential destination for free-agent RBs in 2021. Arthur Smith’s success with Derrick Henry will have him seen as the head coach with the Midas touch. A player like Mike Davis may be willing to gamble that a slightly below-market deal for a year or two could pay off well with his next contract. Additionally, the Falcons come into the offseason with no clear No. 1 option at the position.

Arizona Cardinals

Another team with no clear No. 1 at the position is the Arizona Cardinals. Kenyan Drake is set to hit free agency, and the role of Chase Edmonds is uncertain. Mike Davis could be the bruising back that plays off the speed and agility of QB Kyler Murray. It is an unfair comparison to make, but their QB/RB relationship has vibes of Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson during the height of the Seahawks’ prowess.

Davis also proved he could be a valuable pass-catching option for the Panthers last season. The Cardinals were hesitant to use Drake in that role, which limited his effectiveness at times. If Davis can be a three-down back for the Cardinals, it could give their offense a lot of options. This has the potential to be a perfect landing spot for Mike Davis.

Carolina Panthers

A return to the Panthers should not be out of the question. Christian McCaffrey does not need to carry the ball 300+ times if the Panthers are not playoff challengers. Therefore, bringing back Davis as a player to share the load has its merits. The Panthers are still a relatively young team, and Davis brings experience to the group. It may not be the most exciting of landing spots, but it could be a perfect option for Mike Davis.

Green Bay Packers

With Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams set to be free agents this offseason, the Green Bay Packers need more depth. A.J. Dillon has the talent to be a potential RB1 but it might be a touch early.

Dillon is also not a proven pass catcher, with just 23 receptions in his career. As a result, Davis could come in and be the veteran presence that Dillon can play off of. With Davis on the field, offenses would have to respect him in both the run and pass game.

What makes this an ideal landing spot for Mike Davis is Green Bay’s offensive line. Some of that depends on whether they can retain center Corey Linsley, but this offensive line is generally a well-respected group. Additionally, we have seen with Aaron Jones that QB Aaron Rodgers is willing to lean on his RB in the passing game if he needs to.

Seattle Seahawks

A return to Seattle could be in the cards for Davis. Prior to 2020, his best season in the NFL came with the Seahawks in 2018. It is the only time he has averaged over 4 yards per carry for a season in his career. Furthermore, he added 34 receptions on 42 targets for 214 yards and a touchdown.

The Seahawks are set to let Chris Carson test free agency. Therefore, they need a No. 1 back to come in and fill that role. Davis now has experience in that role and could be an intriguing option. A return to the Pacific Northwest is certainly an interesting landing spot for Mike Davis.

What is Mike Davis’ market value in free agency?

It is key to distinguish between Davis the fantasy asset and Davis the NFL player. In his career, Davis averages just 3.7 yards per carry over 412 carries. He has been on four different NFL teams during his career: San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and Carolina. He is coming off the best season of his career, but will it translate into big money on the open market?

It seems unlikely that Davis is going to be a high-paid running back signing this offseason. While he did manage 1,015 combined yards, his 642 yards on 165 carries do not inspire confidence. However, it depends on how deeply teams look into Davis’ performances in 2020.

Davis returned the 13th highest grade at the position according to Pro Football Network’s Offensive Value Metric. Among the headline free agents, no RB graded out better over the course of the season. Some of the names directly above Davis include Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, Dalvin Cook, and Nick Chubb. That is certainly good company to be keeping.

While Davis will likely not be in the Aaron Jones or even Kenyan Drake tier when it comes to contracts, he should sit in the next tier down. Will any of the landing spots mentioned above for Mike Davis be willing to offer a deal that will blow him away? Coming off a two-year, $6 million contract, a similar deal this offseason is the most likely option.

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Mike Davis Landing Spots: Potential suitors for Panthers RB