Four linebackers the Giants could turn to as replacement for Jarrad Davis

Although most of the New York Giants' attention is on negotiations with running back Saquon Barkley, the organization recently learned that linebacker Jarrad Davis will miss significant time after undergoing knee surgery. 

Davis, a former first-round pick by the Lions, was signed off Detroit's practice squad last December. The 28-year-old made three starts for New York, including in both of the team's playoff games, where he accumulated 18 combined tackles and a half-sack, which earned him a new deal in March.

With veterans set to report to training camp on July 25, here are some internal and external options the Giants might consider to replace Davis: 

Jaylon Smith, free agent

If the Giants are looking for help outside the organization, Smith might be their best option, given his familiarity with the team. In the middle of the 2021 season, the GM Dave Gettleman-led Giants signed Smith, who could have been more effective in his four games played, recording 19 total tackles. 

However, last season, current GM Joe Schoen took a flier on Smith, and after spending time on the practice squad learning DC Wink Martindale's system, the ex-Cowboy exceeded expectations. Smith made 11 starts for New York, racking up 88 tackles, three for loss and three QB hits. 

Smith has his shortcomings, particularly when defending the pass. His 46.9 Pro Football Focus coverage grade last season ranked 68th among 81 qualified linebackers. Still, at this stage of the offseason, the Giants could do much worse than give Smith another chance, at least for training camp. 

Kyle Van Noy, free agent

For a team aiming for a second consecutive trip to the playoffs – for the first time since 2008 – signing someone with the Super Bowl experience of Van Noy makes sense. Van Noy, who played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022, won two championships with the Patriots, including Super Bowl LI with former New England tight ends coach and current Giants HC Brian Daboll.

Last season, Van Noy, 32, recorded 46 tackles and five sacks across 17 games, but lost his starting job before Los Angeles' humiliating 31-30 wild card loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Van Noy's versatility as a pass-rusher and off-ball linebacker could open the door for an extended stint with the Giants after Davis recovers from his surgery.  

Micah McFadden, New York Giants 

McFadden, a fifth-round pick out of Indiana in last year's draft, started seven games at linebacker as a rookie and was heavily involved on special teams.

Like Smith, McFadden's greatest challenge came in coverage. Of the 23 passes that came his way, McFadden allowed 20 to be completed, giving opposing quarterbacks a 119.4 passer rating when targeting him. McFadden's 30 PFF coverage grade was also the 79th-best for a qualified linebacker. 

When the postseason rolled around, McFadden lost his starting role and was inactive for both of New York's playoff games. McFadden appeared to be entering training camp fighting for a roster spot, but now he'll have to make good on his opportunity to prove he should be the starter even when Davis returns.

Darrian Beavers, New York Giants

Another 2022 draft pick by the Giants, sixth-rounder Beavers missed his entire rookie year after tearing his ACL in the preseason. While he lacks experience, Beavers could be in line for a major role in Davis' absence as long as he has a training camp similar to last year's impressive showing. 

Assuming Beavers is anything like his Cincinnati self, the Giants have a formidable piece for their defense. In 2021, he was the second-leading tackler on a Bearcats team that reached their first College Football Playoff (98) while recording 11 TFLs, four sacks and two forced fumbles. 

McFadden might have the upper hand over Beavers early on in camp based on the reps he earned last season. Even so, New York should have a good idea of what it has in the former Hoosier and it's worth a shot to find out what the unproven linebacker is capable of.