The Cincinnati Bengals head into the 2026 offseason with a familiar mix of frustration and opportunity. Injuries on offense, particularly to Joe Burrow, derailed what could’ve been a promising campaign.
And on the other side of the ball, the defense simply didn’t hold up its end of the bargain. Now, with Burrow expected back healthy, the focus shifts to retooling a defense that needs more than just a tune-up-it needs veteran leadership and consistent playmakers.
The Bengals hold the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft, a valuable asset that could land them an elite prospect like safety Caleb Downs. But before we even get to April, free agency looms large, and that’s where Cincinnati has a real chance to reshape its defense with proven talent.
One name that makes a lot of sense? Demario Davis.
The longtime Saints linebacker is set to hit the open market, and based on his recent comments, he’s not ruling out a change of scenery. In an appearance on the Up & Adams show, Davis confirmed he’ll be back for the 2026 season-but when pressed on whether that meant a return to New Orleans, he kept things wide open.
Davis spoke about wanting to be with a team that needs veteran leadership on defense, a locker room presence who can help elevate younger players. That description might as well have “Cincinnati Bengals” written all over it.
There’s also a strong connection already in place. Bengals linebackers coach Mike Hodges worked with Davis for five seasons in New Orleans and knows exactly what the veteran brings to the table. Hodges has long been vocal about his admiration for Davis, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s already pounding the table in Cincinnati’s front office to bring him in.
And here’s the thing-Davis isn’t just a locker room leader. He’s still producing at a high level, even at 37.
Last season, he played in all 17 games and racked up 143 tackles, including six for loss, along with half a sack and two forced fumbles. That’s not just solid for a player his age-it’s one of the most productive seasons of his career.
He was the heartbeat of a Saints defense that saw significant growth from its younger players, many of whom credit Davis for his mentorship and example.
For the Bengals, adding someone like Davis would check a lot of boxes. They need a tone-setter in the middle of the defense, someone who can diagnose plays, make adjustments on the fly, and bring a level of accountability that’s been missing. Davis has done that for years in New Orleans-and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
While the Saints may still try to keep him in the fold, Cincinnati should absolutely be in the mix. They’ve got the cap space, the coaching connection, and the defensive need. If they want to maximize the championship window with Burrow, adding an experienced, high-IQ leader like Davis could be a game-changer-not just for the linebacker room, but for the entire defense.
This offseason is a pivotal one for the Bengals. And if they can land a veteran like Demario Davis, it could be the first major step toward building a defense that finally matches the firepower of their offense.