March 8, 2026, 12:17 p.m. CT
Second to only Drew Brees, linebacker Demario Davis is the best free agent acquisition in New Orleans Saints franchise history. Signed in 2018, Davis instantly transformed the Saints defense and has been one of the NFL’s best all-around defenders for the last eight seasons. In his 14th year, Davis had a career-high 143 total tackles and had lost little athletically while maintaining his elite instincts and ferocity.
Demario Davis now hits the free agent market. It’s possible that he returns to the Saints, but creates a huge void if he doesn’t. Pete Werner certainly isn’t the answer, and it’s too early to tell if young Danny Stutsman or Isaiah Stalbird can fill Davis’ tremendous shoes. If Davis does depart, here are the linebackers the Saints could target in free agency to replace him.
Free agent linebackersQuay Walker (age 26)Alex Singleton (32)Quincy Williams (29)Christian Rozeboom (29)Tremaine Edmunds (28)Kaden Elliss (31)Alex Anzalone (31)Germaine Pratt (30)Akeem Davis-Gaither (28)Nakobe Dean (25)Troy Andersen (27)Leo Chenal (25)Damone Clark (26)Denzel Perryman (33)
Quay Walker should be the most heavily pursued off-ball linebacker this offseason. Tremendously productive, Walker is every bit the athletic equal of Davis in his prime and possesses the same versatility, if not quite the same instincts. If Davis doesn’t return, the Saints could throw a big money deal in Walker’s direction. Otherwise, there are still some intriguing options that New Orleans could pivot to.
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Former Saints Elliss and Anzalone had some success in New Orleans, but produced even better after departing. Even in a different system, a return to New Orleans could be fruitful for either, as well as the team. Another potential reunion could be the aging Perryman, who was very productive playing for Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley with the Chargers. Perryman would only be a short-term plug if the Saints lose Davis. There are younger options available with far more upside.
Like Walker, his teammate with the Georgia Bulldogs, Nakobe Dean is a terrific athlete. Dean hasn’t had the NFL success of Walker and there is some question about his instincts, but he’s been a productive sideline-to-sideline defender for the Eagles. Chenal, Clark, Harris, and Andersen are also under 28 and could be under-the-radar additions for a defense.
Edmunds is a popular pairing for many teams following his pending release from Chicago. Despite his lofty tackle numbers, however, his instincts have also been in question throughout his career. Singleton, Pratt, Rozeboom, or Davis-Gaither may offer more stability. None of those four possess flashy athleticism, but all are highly physical, have been consistently productive, and are good enough athletes with even better play anticipation and awareness.Perhaps the Saints try to catch lightning in a bottle twice by looking at another Jets linebacker in Williams. He’s been an excellent player for an awful organization, with consistent top-tier production.
Saints’ outlook at linebacker
Davis could return, which lessens the immediate need at linebacker. Unless Stutsman or Stalbird can show otherwise, however, the heir apparent for Davis is still a need. Quay Walker is the ideal solution if the Saints lose Davis. Few linebackers have ever had the combination of instincts/anticipation, athletic ability, versatility, and tenacity that Davis has brought to the New Orleans defense. If the Saints want to get younger, and likely cheaper, at the position than several linebackers could at least provide a good rotation with Stutsman, Stalbird, and Werner if the Demario Davis era has come to an end.