It sounds like the Bengals will have a chance fill a glaring need with an ideal free agent this offseason
Demario Davis would be a perfect free-agent signing for the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.
Everyone knows the Cincinnati Bengals need help on defense, but where exactly on defense needs the most attention?
The answer is the spine of the unit. Defensive linemen, linebackers, and safeties with leadership experience are going to be the focus for Cincinnati this offseason.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis fits that description perfectly, and the impending free agent is making it clear he intends on being available when free agency opens in March.
Bengals should have a shot at signing LB Demario Davis in free agency
Davis revealed to Fanduel’s Kay Adams he will continue his illustrious playing career in 2026, but heavily alluded to keeping his options open beyond a possible re-signing with New Orleans.
“I’m coming back to the NFL,” Davis said. “I’m excited about that. I am super excited about that. I keep training all the way through the Super Bowl, so my body feels great, and so I’m just excited. I’m just excited for the offseason, we’re finishing up these games, watching them through the Super Bowl, and then I’ll get into my offseason training regimen and get ready to do it all over again.
“However that plays itself out, we shall see.”
Davis is smart to keep his options open in late January, and he also has an understanding of what he brings to the table, and the reality that some teams will value it more than others.
It just so happens the Bengals should value his skillset immensely.
Davis describes exactly why Cincinnati needs him
Davis just turned 37 years old this month. He’s as experienced of a defensive starter you’ll find in the league today. The Bengals desperately need his intangibles at a position where they have none.
2025 draft picks Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. were Cincinnati’s starting LBs for most of last season. Neither one is going to be cut this offseason, but adding a veteran like Davis to play alongside them would be perfect for their development.
“Some of these defenses just need a guy that can help their young guys take that next step,” Davis said. “And I think that’s what I’m noticing on a lot of these defenses, they don’t have that. And so that’s what’s motivating for me. That’s where I think I bring the most value, not only being what I am in the middle, but helping those younger guys take that next step.
“”It’s a relational thing, and not everybody has that,” Davis continued. “So I think you just know your superpower, and everybody may need your service, but somebody may need your service more. And so that’s how I kind of look at it.”
Davis wants to be the veteran leader for a defense that needs one. Cincinnati fits his wants to a tee, and his former position coach, Mike Hodges, is already on staff working the same job.
There aren’t many free agency fits for the Bengals better than Davis, and it sounds like they’ll have an opportunity to make it happen.
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