Now that Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker has cleaned house from Matt Eberflus’ staff, the focus shifts to who fits on this new-look defense. Jerry Jones should already be looking at one veteran free agent.
Demario Davis, 37, is approaching his 15th NFL season and has every reason to continue playing after posting a career-high 143 tackles in 2025. When asked by Kay Adams on Up & Adams about his future in New Orleans, Davis made it clear he’s open to exploring options elsewhere.
"Yeah, I'm coming back to the NFL . . . I'm super excited about that."
Cowboys now have every reason to pursue Demario Davis
"Coming back to the NFL" is all that Jerry Jones needs to hear. Adams was jokingly emotional about Davis announcing the uncertainty of his plans, as Davis has become one of the faces of the New Orleans Saints, along with Cameron Jordan.
A two-time second-team All-Pro and a former first-team All-Pro, Davis is still one of the game's most consistent linebackers, and the Cowboys have a dire need at the position.
Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn were disaster pickups last offseason. Safe to say they won't be back. The same could be said for veteran Logan Wilson, and there are questions about 2024 fourth-round pick Marist Liufau, whose playing time cratered in 2025 under Matt Eberflus.
The Cowboys shouldn't think twice about signing Davis and drafting a linebacker, though signing Davis would lessen the need to draft one in the first round. Jerry Jones could then focus on taking a cornerback and a pass rusher.
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Davis has spent his entire career with the Saints, who've had back-to-back losing seasons, just like Dallas. However, the gap between the two rosters is significant. New Orleans needs help at nearly every position, while the Cowboys are already built to contend offensively.
Davis would almost certainly become an immediate team captain and the defense’s main communicator. He's the field general this defense has missed since Leighton Vander Esch retired. Eric Kendricks performed admirably in that role in 2024, but Davis is a better player.
The Cowboys are a perfect fit for Davis, who is likely itching for the chance to compete for a playoff berth and potentially a Super Bowl before he retires. And make no mistake: Dallas is only a couple of defensive moves away from being in that conversation.
Davis could be part of that solution.