Marcus Davenport is walking away from the NFL.The veteran defender recently requested his release from the Chicago Bears‘ practice squad.Marcus Davenport asked for his release then retired from the NFLgettyBut rather than try to latch on with another team for Week 5 of the 2026 season, Davenport is reportedly set to retire.He was the No. 14 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft out of UTSA.Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley and Sam Darnold were the initial three picks of that loaded draft, which also featured Quenton Nelson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Frank Ragnow, Derwin James, Roquan Smith and Denzel Ward.The Buffalo Bills took franchise quarterback Josh Allen at No. 7 overall, seven spots before the New Orleans Saints selected Davenport.In a sign of just how much of an inexact science the NFL Draft can be, Davenport was taken 18 spots before two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, who was selected at No. 32 overall by the Baltimore Ravens and was the final pick of the first round.Davenport played in 78 NFL games (43 starts) for four teams.He never made the Pro Bowl but finished his career with 166 combined tackles, 25 sacks, seven forced fumbles and four passes defensed.Davenport’s best NFL season came in 2021 with the Saints, when he recorded nine sacks in 11 games.He spent 2018-22 with the Saints, then joined the Minnesota Vikings.Davenport also played for the Detroit Lions in 2024-25 as Dan Campbell‘s crew attempted to finally win the Super Bowl.Davenport was drafted before Lamar Jackson in 2018gettyJosh Allen preceded Davenport in the 2018 draft and won an NFL MVPGettyThe former NFL first-rounder played one game this season for the Bears, who are 3-1 despite already playing three quarterbacks.Davenport collected $43 million in career earnings during his nine-year NFL career.NFL Network first reported his retirement.The Bears are still waiting on Caleb Williams‘ return this season.Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent have led Ben Johnson’s team to wins in 2026.Chicago resumes action in Week 5 with a pivotal NFC North matchup against the rival Green Bay Packers.