Jets must bring back Demario Davis for 2018

The football world didn’t expect linebacker Demario Davis to have the kind of year he did in 2017 with the New York Jets. Davis undoubtedly deserves to be brought back for next season.

Set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, linebacker Demario Davis returned to the New York Jets at the start of the 2017 regular season looking for redemption. It wasn’t too long ago that the Jets decided to part ways with him due to his inability to get the job done.

Often times in 2015, Davis was out of place when it came to making a play or blew an assignment which led to opposing teams using it as an opportunity to keep those chains moving. After spending a season with the Cleveland Browns in 2016, Davis came back home and even took a pay cut for an opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to deliver as a consistent starter.

And boy, did Davis deliver in 2017. Davis started in every game as he totaled 97 tackles, one fumble recovery, and five sacks. Yes, he had more sacks than some starters on the Jets defensive line which speaks highly of not only his work ethic but overall efficiency as a pass rusher.

Considering that Davis is 28-years-old, he’s entering some of the prime years of his NFL career. The Jets can’t afford to lose him in free agency since other teams saw everything he brought to the table and combining that with his leadership, makes him a great addition to a defense.

Besides everything Davis did on the gridiron for the Jets, there’s another big reason why he should be brought back in 2018. His ability to develop those around him thanks to his veteran presence to the younger linebackers around him, make his return absolutely needed as the Jets continue rebuilding over the next few years.

More from Jets News

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

Davis had his best season yet and could very well be one of the top linebackers in the league as he continues to hone his craft as a high-quality and durable linebacker. He missed out on making the Pro Bowl which more than likely had nothing to do with his stellar performance but rather the fact that the Jets weren’t a successful team in 2017. It’s hard to make the Pro Bowl if you lose a lot of football games and end the season at 5-11 since popularity isn’t on your side.

Even though Davis will more than likely be looking for a bigger financial contract that has more long-term stability, he’s one of the players the Jets shouldn’t even think twice about whether or not he should be brought back for next season. The Jets would be wise to give him a three-year deal and a significant pay raise not only for everything he’s done for the franchise but his potential to total even bigger numbers on defense in the future.