14-year veteran linebacker Demario Davis signed a new two-year, $22 million contract with the New York Jets. Davis, a former third-round pick, spent the past eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints but has also played for the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns.
Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints, Agree to Contract
Despite playing in his age-36 season, Demario Davis remained one of the best linebackers in the league. Starting and appearing in 17 games, the Arkansas product finished the season with 0.5 sacks, 143 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, two quarterback hits, and an 81.4 PFF grade, the fifth-best mark out of 88 eligible players. While the Saints missed the playoffs, the team finished the season on a hot streak with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough taking over for Spencer Rattler.
Demario Davis first entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Selected by the New York Jets, Davis spent most of his rookie season in a reserve role before earning a starting job in 2012. Starting and appearing in all 16 games, Davis finished his second season with 106 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, five quarterback hits, and one sack. He remained in that role until the end of his rookie contract when he signed a new deal with the Cleveland Browns. After a quick return to New York, he joined the Saints in 2018.
Davis quickly became one of the most important players on the Saints roster. The linebacker recorded over 100 tackles in every season with the team, made two Pro Bowls, and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2019 and Second-Team All-Pro honors on four separate occasions. He helped New Orleans reach the NFC Championship Game in 2018 but never reached the Super Bowl with the organization.
Since signing his rookie contract, Demario Davis has appeared in 227 games while making 213 starts. During his time on the field, the former third-round pick has recorded four interceptions, five forced fumbles, 45 sacks, 1,536 tackles, 116 tackles-for-loss, and 104 quarterback hits.
Main Photo: Steve Roberts – Imagn Images
