The Detroit Lions are not exercising their fifth-year option on 2017 first-rounder Jarrad Davis, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Davis–an inside linebacker out of Florida–had decent showings in his first two seasons, combining for 8.0 sacks. He surpassed 100 combined tackles in 2018, also racking up 10 tackles for a loss and 10 quarterback hits.

But Davis took a bit of a step back last season. He suffered an injury in the preseason and missed the first few games of the season. Davis would go on to play 11 games before being placed on injured reserve.

While Davis did account for three forced fumbles, he was the lowest graded linebacker in football through Week 9, per Pro Football Focus (h/t Jeff Risdon of USA TODAY).

Davis was routinely a liability in pass coverage as well, which is not very encouraging for a middle linebacker on a defense that lacks a steady pass rush.

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In any case, this seems a sensible move for the Lions. Picking up Davis' option likely would have cost them north of $10 million, and Davis' brief stint in Detroit hardly seems to merit such an investment. Davis will be a free agent in 2021.

The Lions desperately need some of their young defensive players to make strides. It starts with rookie cornerback Jeff Okudah.

Detroit stayed at No. 3 in the 2020 NFL Draft to select Okudah, who figures to be the replacement for Darius Slay. The Lions also signed Desmond Trufant to fortify the secondary.

But there are still needs up front. Though they signed Jamie Collins and have Trey Flowers on the edge, they need to generate more pressure in 2020 if they hope to take some of the onus off the secondary and make improvements.