The Jets' Demario Davis reunion couldn't have come at a better time

Some reunions are fueled by nostalgia. After all, it's easy to let emotions get in the way of actual football analysis, even in the hyper-competitive, analytics-driven world of the NFL (reminder that Derrick Nnadi started 11 games for the Chiefs last year).

But the New York Jets' reunion with Demario Davis this offseason isn't about chasing a nostalgia kick or running it back for old times' sake. The Jets brought back Davis because he's still really good at football.

Davis returns to Florham Park for his third stint with the Jets after eight remarkable seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he developed from a solid starting linebacker into one of the best players at his position. Even at 37 years old, there are few signs that he's slowing down.

Day 47 of your 2026 Jets Camp Countdown belongs to the Homecoming Hero, Super Demario, and a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee...it's Demario Davis.

1. Where Demario Davis stands entering Jets training camp
2. Demario Davis changes everything for the Jets defense
3. What would make 2026 a success for Demario Davis
4. Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Where Demario Davis stands entering Jets training camp

Davis' career has legitimately taken one of the most remarkable paths of any active NFL player. A third-round pick out of Arkansas State in 2012, Davis spent his first four seasons with the Jets before signing with the Cleveland Browns in free agency.

One year later, the Jets traded former first-round pick Calvin Pryor to Cleveland to bring Davis back for a second stint in New York. That 2017 season proved to be somewhat of a turning point for the Mississippi native.

Davis finally started to put things together in that final Jets season before departing for New Orleans the following offseason. Over the next eight years, he went on to earn five All-Pro selections, multiple Pro Bowl appearances, and establish himself as one of the premier linebackers of his generation.

And yet, even at the age of 37, he's still playing at an extremely high level. Davis finished the 2025 season with an 81.4 Pro Football Focus overall grade, ranking fifth among 88 qualified linebackers.

His 88.9 run-defense grade ranked seventh, while his 70.3 coverage grade ranked 14th. He also recorded 55 run stops, seventh-most at the position, while allowing just 8.1 yards per reception in coverage, ninth-best among qualified linebackers.

He's still one of the best linebackers in the entire league, and this isn't a Bobby Wagner situation where the numbers look better than his tape. Davis is still an elite NFL linebacker.

Demario Davis changes everything for the Jets defense

Davis raises the ceiling of the Jets' defense simply by how well he still plays, but he also significantly raises the floor.

His arrival should allow Jamien Sherwood to slide back into a more natural WILL linebacker role after spending last season handling MIKE linebacker responsibilities.

Sherwood remains at his best when he's allowed to play fast and attack downhill rather than consistently taking on blocks and directing traffic before the snap.

Davis gives the Jets one of the NFL's most experienced signal-callers in the middle of their defense while allowing Sherwood to play a role that better suits his strengths. Then there's everything Davis brings off the field.

He's been nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award three times, is widely respected as one of the NFL's premier leaders, and has built a reputation as the type of veteran every rebuilding team hopes to have in its locker room.

He's also been *knocks on wood* unbelievably durable throughout his career. Over 14 NFL seasons, Davis has played in 227 of a possible 229 regular-season games. Missing only two games across nearly a decade and a half at one of football's most physical positions is almost impossible to comprehend.

Davis knows Aaron Glenn well from their days together in New Orleans and can help bridge the gap between the coaching staff and this young roster while setting the standard for everyone around them. He's everything this Jets defense needed and more.

Camp Countdown: Your guide to every player on the 2026 Jets roster

What would make 2026 a success for Demario Davis

The Jets aren't asking Davis to turn back the clock. The reality is he's never really needed to.

If he continues playing at the level he showed last season, helps solidify the middle of the defense, allows Jamien Sherwood to return to his 2024 self, and provides the leadership Glenn is counting on, this signing will prove to be one of the best values of the offseason.

His story coming full circle only makes it that much sweeter. Davis began his NFL career with the Jets, returned once before as a more polished player, and now comes back one final time as one of the most respected linebackers of his generation.

If this is where his career ultimately comes to an end, few players will have earned that moment more. Demario Davis remains one of the NFL's most complete linebackers, and the Jets are incredibly fortunate to have him back.

Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

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