One starting spot on the Giants defense looks settled, but also suspect. Tae Davis is in line to start alongside Alec Ogletree at inside linebacker and there is no way to know if Davis is up for the challenge, given his resume.

This scenario could change, depending on what the coaching staff thinks of Davis and what else might be available on the open market as the NFL cuts come fast and furious on Friday and Saturday. One surprise cut could already attract the interest of the Giants, as the Raiders are releasing Brandon Marshall, the sort of inside linebacker the Giants certainly could use – if Marshall is healthy.

An eight-year veteran, Marshall, 29, was a fixture on the Broncos defense for five years before signing with the Raiders. This offseason, Raiders coach Jon Gruden called Marshall “one of the best coverage linebackers in football.” That skill set is exactly what the Giants need. Davis, a 23-year-old converted safety, is best suited as a coverage linebacker, which is why he moved into a starting role and likely leaves former starter B.J. Goodson on the outside looking in.

The Raiders shipping Marshall out of town was not expected. He is dealing with a knee issue that kept him out most of the spring, prompting Gruden to say, “Health-wise, he’s had some dark moments coming back from his knee. I think he’s gradually getting himself back into tip-top football shape and playing speed. That’s the key to his game.”

Clearly, the Raiders did not believe Marshall could make it all the way back. He took to Twitter to update his thoughts: “I thank Oakland for the Opportunity! Unfortunately I had to use training camp to work myself back to full health and I did just that! Ready for what God has for me next.’’

Davis made the Giants roster a year ago as an undrafted free agent from Tennessee-Chattanooga. He ended up playing in 14 games as a rookie, starting four games. The only other option currently on the Giants’ roster is Ryan Connelly, a rookie from Wisconsin, but Connelly is more similar to Ogletree as far as his skill set.

Marshall, if his knee checks out, would be an upgrade for the Giants. He started 63 games the past five years for the Broncos.