Jets, Bears among team fits for Saints free agent LB Demario Davis

All signs point to Demario Davis testing the market in free agency and potentially leaving thee New Orleans Saints for the next -- and possibly final -- chapter of his career. The five-time All-Pro linebacker has earned the opportunity to chase a Super Bowl ring, if the opportunity prepares itself, but this could also be his last chance to sign a big-money contract. There's a good chance that puts him out of the Saints' budget for 2026. Even if he isn't going to a playoff contender, a big enough payday could make the challenge worth it.

So where could he land? Here are four teams we could see Davis joining in free agency.

New York Jets

The team that drafted Davis has been linked to him again in free agency, in what could be his third stop in the Big Apple. His old coach Aaron Glenn needs leaders and impactful defenders who can turn their fortunes around, and there aren't many voices more respected around the league than No. 56. His ability to make plays on all three downs would be welcome in New York. And if he can help Glenn build a different culture in that locker room, more the better. Few teams have as much salary cap space to work with this spring as the Jets. Maybe they spend some of it on Davis.

Chicago Bears

Chicago is another team with a hole in the middle of the field -- after cutting Tremaine Edmunds, an expensive starter -- and coached by a former Saints coordinator. The Bears could view Davis as an upgrade and better fit in Dennis Allen's defense. After winning their first playoff game in 15 years, signing Davis might be seen as an all-in move to chase a Super Bowl while Caleb Williams is still playing on his cheap rookie contract.

Washington Commanders

Replacing 36-year old Bobby Wagner with 37-year old Demario Davis wouldn't make the Commanders defense any younger, but he might be a better player. New Orleans allowed six fewer touchdown runs and almost 400 fewer rushing yards than Washington did last season, largely due to Davis directing traffic in the middle of the field. Both linebackers are respected leaders who can impact the game against both the run and the pass. The Commanders are expected to be big spenders in free agency to try and get back to the playoffs while Jayden Daniels is playing on his rookie deal.

Cincinnati Bengals

What if the Bengals end up spending in free agency to maximize Joe Burrow's window? No team gave up more rushing yards than them (2,500), and only the New York Giants allowed more yards per carry (5.3 to Cincinnati's 5.2). They could use an upgrade at linebacker, and the Bengals have a history of poaching defensive talent from New Orleans -- just look at Trey Hendrickson, Vonn Bell, and Sheldon Rankins, among others. They've got to do something to keep pace in the AFC North arms race.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency: 4 team fits for Saints linebacker Demario Davis