The New Orleans Saints may be staring down a future without one of the cornerstones of their defense. Linebacker Demario Davis-team captain, emotional leader, and one of the most consistent performers on the roster-could be on his way out.
While there’s still a chance he returns, the Saints can’t afford to bank on that. It’s time to start planning for life after Davis.
And the good news? Between free agency and the NFL Draft, the Saints have options-some very good ones, in fact.
What the Saints Are Working With
Let’s start with the current linebacker room. If Davis does leave, it’s a group that suddenly feels thin and uncertain.
Pete Werner is the most experienced name left, but he struggled last season, both in coverage and against the run. Danny Stutsman has some intriguing tools, but he’s still more potential than proven product at this point.
Isaiah Stallbird is a solid depth piece, the kind of guy you want in the rotation but not necessarily starting. Jaylan Ford, meanwhile, has been hampered by injuries and hasn’t seen enough reps to be a reliable contributor just yet.
In short: without Davis, the Saints’ linebacker corps goes from a strength to a serious question mark.
Free Agency: Plug-and-Play Possibilities
If New Orleans wants immediate help, free agency offers some compelling answers.
One name that jumps off the page is Quincy Williams. The former Jet brings a familiar vibe-he and Davis both wore No. 56 in New York, both hit the market at 29 years old, and both play with a high motor and physical edge.
The differences? Davis has the edge in tackling consistency, while Williams offers better coverage ability.
Williams had a down year last season, and there were reports of friction with the Jets’ new coaching staff, but let’s not forget: he was an All-Pro just two seasons ago. If he finds the right fit, he could return to that form quickly.
Another intriguing option is Quay Walker from the Green Bay Packers. The Saints reportedly turned down a trade offer for Walker back in September, which tells us the front office already sees something they like.
At just 25 years old, Walker would be more than just a stopgap-he could be a long-term building block. He’s athletic, rangy, and still ascending.
If the Saints want to get younger and more dynamic at linebacker, Walker checks a lot of boxes.
Draft Day Decisions
Of course, if the Saints want to go the draft route-either instead of or in addition to free agency-they’ll have chances to make a splash.
Holding the No. 8 pick, New Orleans could look to Ohio State, where two top-tier linebacker prospects could be in play: Arvelle Reese and Sonny Styles. They bring different skill sets, but both would be immediate upgrades.
Reese offers edge-rushing juice and versatility. He’s the kind of player who can line up all over the front seven and cause problems for offenses with his burst and physicality.
Styles, on the other hand, is more of a traditional linebacker-sideline-to-sideline speed, strong instincts, and a knack for making plays in space. Either one would give the Saints a much-needed injection of athleticism and playmaking at the second level.
If the Saints decide to wait until later rounds to address the position, Jacob Rodriguez out of Texas Tech is a name to keep an eye on. He’s a high-motor tackler who brings leadership traits and a nose for the football.
He’s the kind of guy who forces fumbles, rallies the defense, and plays with the kind of energy coaches love. He may not be a first-round name, but he has the tools to become a fan favorite and a starter sooner rather than later.
Looking Ahead
Losing Demario Davis-if it happens-would be a seismic shift for the Saints’ defense. You don’t just replace leadership, consistency, and production like his overnight.
But the cupboard isn’t bare. Whether it’s a proven veteran like Williams or Walker, or a young stud from the draft like Reese, Styles, or Rodriguez, the Saints have paths forward.
The key will be making the right choice-and doing it with urgency. Because if Davis does move on, New Orleans can’t afford to have linebacker be the weak link in a defense that still has plenty of talent to build around.