Struggling Cowboys defense could eye veteran linebacker Demario Davis. His proven ability to stop critical third-down conversions could revitalize their ailing unit.
For what seems like forever, the Dallas Cowboys have had a defense that was known was one of the best in the league. But that was not quite the case this past season.
They took a noticeable step back, and some even say that it can all be attributed to the team trading away superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last offseason.
While it is unlikely that one player's departure caused Dallas' defense to drop this much, it most likely played quite a factor.
But in a recent article by Yardbarker's Eric Smithling, he outlines five players who he believes Jerry Jones and company should target in free agency this offseason. One of the players he listed was New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis, as he thinks the veteran defender could help lead the struggling unit.
"The Cowboys had the league's worst third-down defense a season ago, allowing opponents to convert at a 47.3 percent rate," Smithling writes. "Davis would help fix that problem... He finished the season with 10 tackles on third or fourth-and-short run plays, and New Orleans tied for the third-fewest yards allowed per play (2.2) in those situations."
Davis' advancing age would suggest that his prime years are most likely behind him, but his stats from this past season would beg to differ.
The 37-year-old linebacker finished 2025 with 143 total tackles, which is the highest mark of his 14-year career. He was also able to show his versatility with six tackles for loss and three passes defended.
But if you thought all of that would lead to a Pro Bowl selection, you would be wrong, for some reason.
This is now back-to-back seasons with well over 100 tackles that Davis has not been named to the Pro Bowl.
But Pro Bowl or not, Davis is still quite the linebacker despite being 37 years old. And if the Cowboys decide that they want to go into win-now mode and improve their defense, a veteran presence like the Saints star could be someone to consider signing.