Feb. 22, 2026, 4:55 a.m. CT
Linebacker Demario Davis continues to be the heart and soul of the New Orleans Saints defense. However, the linebackers around Davis haven’t made big plays consistently. In recent years, the Saints have added several free agents and draft choices at the position but few have made a significant impact.
New Orleans has selected a linebacker in six of the last seven drafts. Only three of those are still with the team. We take a look at one of them in our ongoing yearly recap of New Orleans players.
Jaylan Ford Year in ReviewPosition: LinebackerAge: 24Height: 6-feet, 2 inchesWeight: 240 poundsNFL experience: 2 years (with Saints)2025 season: 17 games
A two-time All-Big 12 selection and 3rd Team All-American with the Texas Longhorns, Ford was a 2024 fifth round draft choice by the Saints. He played little as a rookie, seeing special teams action in eight games with no defensive snaps. Coming into 2025, it was hoped that Ford would step up and grab a spot in the linebacker rotation.
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Ford played in all 17 contests this past season. He was a fixture on special teams, logging 77% of the snaps with those units. Ford was unable to crack the linebacker rotation, however, getting only 7 defensive snaps all year. He was surpassed on the depth chart by both rookie Danny Stutsman and second-year Isaiah Stalbird. Ford had 11 special teams tackles during the season, all but one coming on special teams.
A prototype build for a linebacker, Ford also possesses good athleticism for the position. At Texas, he was one of the nation’s top all-around defenders. In his final two seasons with the Longhorns, Ford had 6 interceptions with 20.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks with 4 forced fumbles and 108 total stops. As the Saints search for a successor to Demario Davis, Ford needs to show that kind of production and instincts for perhaps even a chance at making the 2026 squad.