By now, you've probably heard more than your fair share of the New York Giants' run-defense struggles, particularly as it pertains to the linebacking corps. It seems like no matter who the team throws out there, it seldom makes a difference.
Fortunately, that ugly trend is likely to end with head coach John Harbaugh now running things as Big Blue's new head coach. Harbs knows a thing or two about a strong defense, specifically at linebacker. Ray Lewis, C.J. Mosley, Roquan Smith, and Patrick Queen are just a few names he's worked with.
To say a Harbaugh-led defense needs a true leader in the middle might be an understatement.
Even though free agency doesn’t start until March, Giants fans might’ve just gotten their first big clue as to who Harby could look to bring in as a priority signing once the market opens. Appearing on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis said he was coming back for Year 15 and confirmed he's open for business:
It sure sounds like Saints LB Demario Davis is open to testing the free agent market 👀@demario__davis | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/tDr5m5rmZH
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 27, 2026
John Harbaugh’s linebacker legacy could lure Demario Davis to New York
Davis is on the older side, having just turned 37 earlier this month, but don't let his age fool you -- the two-time Pro Bowler is coming off one of the most productive seasons in his could-be Hall of Fame career.
The middle linebacker is already very familiar with MetLife Stadium... so they won't need to convince him to get over the turf. The Jets selected the Arkansas State linebacker with the 77th pick in the 2012 Draft, spending his first four seasons in the Big Apple before taking his talents to Cleveland.
The Red Wolf standout spent a year in Ohio, and then returned to New York for a year before ultimately making his way to The Big Easy, where he's spent the last eight seasons playing for the Saints.
Over the years, the 6-foot-2, 240-pounder has piled up some pretty gnarly numbers: 1,536 tackles, 45.0 sacks, and 116 tackles for loss. However, his best ability is his availability, missing just two regular-season games in a 229-game span. Along with his two Pro Bowl nods, he's also a five-time All-Pro (one first-team, four second-team).
If that doesn't scream "John Harbaugh sign him ASAP," I don't know what will. There's a new era of Giants football underway in East Rutherford. It's time to bring in high-impact players who match the vision, and few are giving chemistry like Davis is. This is a no-brainer signing for the G-Men.