The Saints‘ linebacker corps has slowly improved over the past couple of seasons, but the addition of free agent Demario Davis appears to be the best addition yet, Larry Holder of the Times Picayune writes.
After signing a three-year, $24MM deal ($16MM guaranteed), Davis appears set to be come the team’s fifth different Week 1 starting middle linebacker in the past five seasons. He’s coming off of a career year with 97 total tackles and five sacks, so he should be up to the task.
You may be surprised to learn that Davis graded out as the eighth-best linebacker in the NFL last year, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s thanks in part to his run-stopping abilities, but also his better-than-average pass coverage score.
Here’s more from the South divisions:
- John McClain of the Houston Chronicle took an early stab at the Texans‘ 53-man roster breakdown. There’s intrigue in the running backs group behind Lamar Miller, D’Onta Foreman, and Alfred Blue, where 24-year-olds Tyler Ervin and Troymaine Pope are vying for spots along with rookies Terry Swanson and Lavon Coleman. The Texans may go with the best pure runner from that group since Blue already provides quality special teams play.
- Colts running back Robert Turbin is facing a multi-game suspension for PED use.
- Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter is among the head coaches on the hot seat this year. Click here to weigh in on who you think will be the first coach to get the axe this year.