Demario Davis Returns to Jets on 2-Year Deal

The veteran linebacker is back with the team that drafted him in 2012 and traded for him in 2017.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:43am

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Demario Davis, a 37-year-old linebacker, has signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the New York Jets, the team that drafted him in 2012 and later traded for him in 2017. Davis spent the last several seasons with the New Orleans Saints but is now returning to the Jets, calling it a "no-brainer" decision. He is seen as a key leader who can help coach Aaron Glenn turn the team's culture around.

Why it matters

Davis is considered one of the best leaders in the NFL, and his return to the Jets is seen as an important move to help solidify the team's locker room and on-field performance under the new coaching staff led by Aaron Glenn. His experience and veteran presence could be crucial as the Jets look to improve on recent seasons and potentially make a playoff push.

The details

Davis signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Jets, with $15 million guaranteed. He spent the last several seasons with the New Orleans Saints but is now returning to the team that originally drafted him in 2012 and later traded for him in 2017. Davis is excited about the vision and mission that coach Aaron Glenn has for the team, and believes he can help reinforce the messages Glenn is preaching to the locker room.

  • Davis was drafted by the Jets in 2012.
  • The Jets traded for Davis in 2017.
  • Davis spent the last several seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
  • Davis signed his new contract with the Jets on March 12, 2026.

The players

Demario Davis

A 37-year-old linebacker who was originally drafted by the Jets in 2012 and later traded back to the team in 2017. He spent the last several seasons with the New Orleans Saints before returning to the Jets on a new two-year contract.

Aaron Glenn

The current head coach of the New York Jets, who previously worked as a scout when the team drafted Davis and was an assistant coach when Davis played for the Saints.

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What they’re saying

“It really feels like coming back home.”

— Demario Davis, Linebacker (New York Post)

“I believe in so much of what's being built here under the leadership of Aaron Glenn, aka A.G., and for myself as a leader, this was the mission that I was excited to step into.”

— Demario Davis, Linebacker (New York Post)

“I think we just have to keep doing what he's preaching. I think he's preaching all the right messages. It sounds like there's a locker room of guys who have bought into what he's coaching. We're just being brought in to help reinforce that. If anything, use our voice to turn up the volume.”

— Demario Davis, Linebacker (New York Post)

What’s next

The Jets will look to integrate Davis into their defensive scheme and leadership structure as they prepare for the upcoming season under coach Aaron Glenn's direction.

The takeaway

Demario Davis' return to the Jets represents an important veteran presence and leadership addition as the team looks to build on recent seasons and potentially make a playoff push. His experience and buy-in to coach Glenn's vision could be crucial in shaping the team's culture and on-field performance.