Jets defensive coordinator says Demario Davis is 'everything as advertised'

The New York Jets had a linebacker problem in 2025, as Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams were both bottom-of-the-league players at their respective positions for the Jets' defense.

Their solution? Go and get New Orleans Saints veteran and former Jets draft pick Demario Davis in free agency.

The 37-year-old linebacker is back for his third stint in New York this season, and he's being counted on in multiple different areas.

Not only is Davis expected to be the Jets' best linebacker, but he's supposed to be the on-and-off-field leader the Green & White desperately needed in 2025.

So far, the early returns have certainly been positive.

Brian Duker says Demario Davis is everything the Jets need him to be

Speaking with reporters after mandatory minicamp, Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker was asked about Davis' early contributions to the team, and Duker couldn't have been more positive.

"For me, and I think everyone probably already kind of had the perception. You've seen him win the (Walter Payton) Man of the Year awards, and I kind of figured he was a great dude, but I hadn't really had the chance to interact with him day-to-day. He's just been everything as advertised and more, so I've enjoyed that, about working with Double D."

Brian Duker

When you're a first-time defensive coordinator, having a player like Davis in the mix certainly will make your life a heck of a lot easier.

The 14-year veteran has seen it all throughout his illustrious NFL career and is practically an on-field coach.

Despite all the tread on his tires, Davis is still one of the best linebackers in football. Last year with the Saints, he graded out as the sixth-best linebacker in the NFL, earning an 81.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

He's still an elite run defender, earning a run-defense grade of 88.9, which is seventh-best at his position, and his coverage is still solid as well, earning the 13th-best grade among his peers.

Davis' presence should only make his running mate, Sherwood, better as well. Last year, Sherwood was counted on to be the leader of the defense, and he cracked under the pressure.

There's going to be a lot of beneficiaries of Davis' presence on the Jets defense, with Duker and Sherwood two of the parties with the most to gain.

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