Saints Aim to Retain Star Linebacker Demario Davis

New Orleans GM Mickey Loomis says the team wants to bring back the 37-year-old All-Pro linebacker.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:07am

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Demario Davis, the New Orleans Saints' star linebacker, is set to become a free agent this offseason. Despite his age, Davis had a career-high 143 tackles in 2025 and remains one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Saints GM Mickey Loomis has expressed the team's desire to re-sign Davis, who has hinted at potentially testing the free agent market.

Why it matters

Retaining Davis would be a major boost for the Saints' defense, which relies heavily on his veteran leadership and playmaking ability. At 37 years old, Davis is still performing at an elite level, and his return would give the Saints' young defenders like Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor a chance to continue developing under his guidance.

The details

Davis, a five-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, has spent the last eight seasons with the Saints. In 2025, he set a new career high with 143 total tackles while playing in all 17 games. Despite his age, Davis remains one of the top linebackers in the league, earning an 80.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, good for sixth among qualifying linebackers.

  • Davis just turned 37 years old after the 2025 season ended.
  • Davis played the 2025 season at 36 years old.

The players

Demario Davis

A star linebacker for the New Orleans Saints who has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice and named an All-Pro five times over the last eight seasons.

Mickey Loomis

The general manager of the New Orleans Saints, who has expressed the team's desire to re-sign Demario Davis.

Kool-Aid McKinstry

A young defensive player for the Saints who Davis believes could benefit from his veteran leadership.

Alontae Taylor

Another young Saints defender who Davis thinks could take a step forward with his guidance.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I haven't seen that or heard it. Look, we love Demario. We want him to be back. I hope he's back. We'll get through that.”

— Mickey Loomis, Saints General Manager (si.com)

“I'm coming back to the NFL. And I'm excited about that. I am super excited about that. I keep training all the way through the Super Bowl so my body feels great. I'm just excited. I'm just excited for the offseason. We'll finish up these games watching them through the Super Bowl and then get into my offseason regimen. ... How that plays out, we shall see.”

— Demario Davis (Up & Adams)

What’s next

The Saints will work to re-sign Demario Davis before the start of free agency.

The takeaway

Retaining Demario Davis, one of the NFL's premier linebackers, would be a major priority for the Saints this offseason. At 37 years old, Davis is still playing at an elite level and provides invaluable veteran leadership to the team's young defensive players.