Could Demario Davis Be Chicago-Bound? Why the Bears Might Be the Perfect Fit for the Saints’ Defensive Leader
Demario Davis hasn’t closed the door on returning to the New Orleans Saints-but he’s not exactly holding it open, either. In a recent conversation with Kay Adams, the veteran linebacker was noticeably noncommittal about where he’ll be playing football next season. And while he hasn’t gone full David Njoku in terms of hinting at a departure, there’s a growing sense that Davis could be suiting up in a different uniform in 2026.
One potential landing spot? The Chicago Bears. And there’s more than just surface-level logic behind that idea.
According to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, who recently ranked the top 100 NFL free agents and predicted their destinations, Davis could be on the move to the Windy City. In his projections, the Saints retain longtime defensive end Cam Jordan but lose Davis in the process-an outcome that would mark a significant shift in the Saints' defensive identity.
So why would Chicago be the right fit for Davis at this stage of his career? Let’s break it down.
Leadership Meets Opportunity
Davis has made it clear that his value goes beyond tackles and sacks. At 35, he sees himself as a leader first and foremost-a veteran presence who can steady the locker room and elevate younger talent. That’s a role he’s embraced in New Orleans for years, and it’s one he believes he can bring to a team that’s knocking on the door of a deep playoff run.
Enter the Bears.
Chicago came within a game of reaching the NFC Championship last season, and their young core is trending in the right direction. But as Davis himself noted while watching the postseason, plenty of teams could use a seasoned leader to help bridge the gap between potential and production. The Bears check that box.
They’ve got the talent. They’ve got the momentum.
What they might be missing is a field general-someone who’s been there before and knows how to guide a defense through the grind of a playoff push. Davis fits that mold to a tee.
Familiar Faces, Familiar Scheme
There’s also the Dennis Allen connection. Davis spent seven seasons in New Orleans with Allen serving as either the defensive coordinator or head coach.
That continuity matters-especially for a linebacker who thrives in a specific system. During that stretch, Davis earned All-Pro honors five times.
That’s not a coincidence.
If Allen were to take a role in Chicago’s defensive setup-or even if the Bears run a similar system-Davis would walk into a scheme he already knows like the back of his hand. That kind of plug-and-play familiarity is rare in free agency, especially for a player in the back half of his career. It means less time adjusting and more time leading.
From a football standpoint, it’s a seamless fit. From a leadership standpoint, it’s a home run.
Saints or Bears? The Decision Looms
The Saints haven’t ruled out bringing Davis back, and there’s no question he’s been a cornerstone of their defense for years. But if he’s looking for the best chance to chase a ring while continuing to lead both on and off the field, Chicago might offer the clearest path.
The Bears are ascending. They’ve got a defense that could use a veteran anchor.
They’ve got a playoff-ready roster. And they’ve got a system that suits Davis’ strengths.
If Davis does decide to leave New Orleans, don’t be surprised if he ends up in navy and orange. The fit just makes too much sense.