Best destinations for Demario Davis
By: Jake Rajala
Demario Davis proved to be one of the best free agent signings in the history of the New Orleans Saints. Davis was first team All-Pro in 2019, then second-team AP in each of his next four seasons. DD is bound to be a free agent, and it’s not a certainty he will return to the Saints. Hence, I’m going to lay out the best FA destinations for him.
Buffalo Bills
We know the Bills had the leading rusher (James Cook) last season. Now it’s time for them to bring in a serious run stopper. Insert Demario Davis. Davis would be an upgrade over Terrel Bernard, who is the current starting MLB for the Buffalo Bills. Bernard had a PFF grade of 48.8 last season, which was 73rd among LBs. The main reason for signing with the Bills isn’t to compare him to Bernard. Rather, he would have a real shot at winning a Super Bowl with the Bills Mafia. The Bills also ranked 28th in rushing YPG allowed, so they could use his services.
Los Angeles Rams
I would love to see Davis alongside MLB Nate Landman. The Rams proved that they needed more pieces on defense to slow down Sam Darnold and Kenneth Walker. The Rams lost Bobby Wagner and Aaron Donald in recent memory. Davis can help heal that wound. With Matthew Stafford announcing that he will return, he could tempt Davis to go out swinging with him.
New Orleans Saints
Davis has chemistry with the Saints defensive coordinator, Brandon Staley, and the Saints. He was also their Walter Payton Man of the Year. Davis should also feel inspired by Tyler Shough’s rookie season, as he went 5-4 and was voted Pepsi’s Rookie of the Year. If Cameron Jordan returns to NOLA, it would make more sense for Davis to return to the Saints.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions defense is half as talented as their offense. Jack Campbell and Davis would be one of the best ILB tandems in the league. Alex Anzalone can still get reps at MLB, nonetheless. The Lions were 22nd in PPG allowed and 17th in total YPG allowed. Davis’s versatility can go a long way for Detroit, who plays in one of the best divisions in the league.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys slowly made moves to improve their defense. They acquired Quinnen Williams, who was a stud at stopping the run. He also unleashed 1.5 sacks, nine QB hits, and a few TFLS in several games. They still have Kenny Clark at DT. Dallas was 23rd in rushing YPG allowed last season. Davis can take them to new heights.
The one drawback of the Boys is that they have struggled to win the big dance.
Philadelphia Eagles
They can be dominant at running the ball, but they have been subpar at stopping the run. They ranked 20th in rushing YPG allowed. Zach Baun left New Orleans to join Philly. Perhaps Davis will rise up with him on the Eagles. The Eagles still have their main pieces on offense to light up any defense. Davis may be sold on their Super Bowl chances, especially with them winning it all in recent memory.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears ranked 26th in rushing YPG allowed. They also ranked 23rd in PPG allowed. Their talent on offense has kept them with realistic chances to win the Super Bowl. Similar to other teams on this list, they have one stud ILB with Tremaine Edmunds. Davis could really help them dominate on defense. They will most likely not return to their 1985 glory days on defense, but they could be a Top-15 defense with Davis in their unit.
Honorable Mention:
Las Vegas Raiders
It may be risky for Davis to choose to roll with a rookie (I assume Fernando Mendoza) in the most talented divisions. However, they should be able to make some noise with Klint Kubiak, Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and tMaxx Crosby. The Raiders were 18th in rushing YPG allowed and 25th in PPG allowed last season, so there’s room to improve.
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