4 linebackers the NY Giants can sign with Jarrad Davis injured

The headaches have already arrived for NY Giants head coach Brian Daboll, as veteran inside linebacker Jarrad Davis is going to be out for an extended period of time following knee surgery. Davis was expected to push for a starting job alongside Bobby Okereke at inside 'backer.

It's up in the air when Davis will return and while Darrian Beavers and Micah McFadden will be ready to push for a starting job at training camp, depth and some veteran experience is needed. With that said, there are still some options in free agency for Joe Schoen to take a look at. Here are four in particular:

4. LB Deion Jones

To start us off, what about Deion Jones? A former second-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, Jones is still waiting at home by the phone to see if a squad gives him a call ahead of training camp later this month. From our chair, Jones would make sense for Wink Martindale and the G-Men for multiple reasons this offseason.

To start, we must remember that the Giants don't have a ton of cap space left. While they could still create some more money by inking Saquon Barkley to an extension, Schoen must be careful with how he spends his limited amount of dough. With that said, Jones would not break the bank on a new deal, as he could probably be signed to a cheap one-year contract.

Jones has been in the league since 2016, spending the first six years of his career in the NFC South with the Falcons. In 2022, Jones played for the Browns, appearing in 11 games for Cleveland and posting five starts. He recorded 44 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. Prior to '22, he posted at least 100 tackles in five of six seasons with the Falcons. He's someone to keep an eye on.

3. LB Jaylon Smith

We know what you're thinking: absolute not. Yes, Jaylon Smith has had multiple stints with the Giants and he hasn't lived up to the hype for the team. Last season, there were games where he and Tae Crowder were the primary inside LBs for the Giants and that fact alone had people ripping out their hair.

However, Smith is already familiar with Martindale's defense and he'd be a depth signing. He wouldn't be brought in to be the starter for this unit, as the hope is that either Beavers or McFadden will be able to rise to the occasion instead and grab the place next to Okereke if someone like Smith ends up getting signed.

Last year for the Giants, Smith appeared in 13 games for the G-Men, making 11 starts. He finished the 2022 campaign with 88 total tackles and one sack. Smith was known for over-pursuing runners and it was frustrating to watch, though. He wouldn't cost too much and again, he'd be a depth signing. Schoen might prefer to go with someone who is familiar with how things are run in East Rutherford.

2. LB Myles Jack

From the looks of Twitter, this may be the player that most Giants fans have their eyes on. A former second-round pick of the Jaguars, Myles Jack is another 'backer who is hoping to get an offer in the coming weeks. The difference between Jack and someone like Smith is that Jack could put himself in a position to earn a starting job if the G-Men ink him.

Jack spent the first six years of his career with the Jaguars after they drafted him. Jack posted a career high 118 tackles in 2020. In 2021, his final year with the AFC South side, the 6-1, 245-pounder recorded 108 tackles. Last year, he suited up for Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing with 104 stops.

In total, Jack has suited up for 103 regular season contests, starting 95 of them. That's the kind of fantastic experience that people would love to see make its way to town. Jack isn't a superstar player by any means, but he'd be an affordable option for Schoen at this point in the offseason.

His signing would only be made better if he ended up starting next to Okereke. He'd be our top pick for Schoen to sign as well.

1. LB Landon Collins

Last but not least, how about another reunion with Landon Collins? Collins' best football is behind him, but he showcased that he's still got plenty left in the tank last year. The Giants brought back Collins last season, originally to the practice squad. He was then elevated to the 53-man roster and made the most of his reps.

In the late-season showdown vs. the Indianapolis Colts, Collins had MetLife Stadium rockin' thanks to a brilliant play. In case you forgot, the Colts were looking to make something happen with Nick Foles at quarterback, but Collins read him perfectly and took back an interception to the house for six. It was a tremendous play from the veteran:

That was vintage Collins right there. While he's been known for his days at safety with the G-Men, Collins' versatility is great to see. On Twitter, plenty of NY supporters are calling for Schoen to pick up the phone and bring back the playmaker. Only time will tell if Schoen is able to come to terms with any of these players, but it's clear that LB help is needed with Davis sidelined.

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