Saints' 6 best free-agent signings in the Sean Payton era

Saints’ 6 best free-agent signings in the Sean Payton era

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 14: Head Coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints on the sidelines during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Saints 23-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

2. Demario Davis (Signed in 2018)

Were it not for No. 1 being one of the best players in NFL history, Demario Davis would have a strong case to be the best free-agent signed under Sean Payton.

Davis was a third-round pick by the Jets in 2012 and played there for four years before spending a year in Cleveland and then returning to the Jets in 2017. When that season wrapped up, he hit free agency and it felt like he’d be returning to New York.

Fortunately, the Saints swooped in and signed Davis to a three-year deal and he’s been crushing it ever since.

Davis just finished his fourth season with the Saints and has become a fan favorite for how good of a player he is. He’s recorded over 100 tackles in all four seasons has had at least three sacks in each of those four seasons as well too.

Davis fits what the Saints defense looks for and he’s a big reason why the unit has become as strong as it is. He’s easily one of the best free agents Sean Payton brought to New Orleans.

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