The New York Jets have agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Demario Davis on a two-year, $22 million deal as the former New Orleans Saints star returns to the franchise for his third stint
16:42 ET, 09 Mar 2026Updated 16:49 ET, 09 Mar 2026
Linebacker Demario Davis is reuniting with the New York Jets(Image: Getty Images)
The New York Jets kicked off free agency with a series of defensive maneuvers, including a reunion with Demario Davis.
In the aftermath of a disappointing 3-14 season, the Jets are on the hunt for a quarterback and several other positions as Aaron Glenn strives to assemble a team. Following trades involving players like Quinnen Williams during the season and Jermaine Johnson recently, the AFC East franchise had to make some defensive adjustments.
Davis returns to the Jets after an eight-season stint with the New Orleans Saints. The former All-Pro linebacker is back in New York, reuniting with the franchise that selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. It came as Travis Kelce news prompted a strong reaction on air during a live sports show.
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As the window for agreeing to free agency deals in principle closed on Monday, Davis agreed on terms with the Jets on a two-year contract valued at $22 million, with $15 million fully guaranteed. The 37-year-old linebacker, entering his 15th NFL season, brings a vital veteran presence to the Jets’ defense.
The free agency move was revealed on The Pat McAfee Show, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter delivering the news.
Interestingly, this will be Davis’ third tenure with the Jets. The former Saints standout was initially drafted by the Jets and returned in 2017 before moving to New Orleans, where he linked up with current Jets coach Glenn.
Glenn is relying on the veteran to strengthen the revamped defense, following the unit’s 31st-place finish in points allowed last season. The Jets dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with three games left, and while Brian Duker is his replacement, Glenn confirmed he will be calling the defensive plays in 2026.
Davis started his career on the Jets
In January, Davis revealed he knew he would be playing in 2026 before the 2025 season had concluded. His assurance in sustaining his elite performance came after he posted a new career-high in tackles (143) for the second consecutive season, and he has chosen to return to a familiar destination in New York.
Supporters were delighted. One user described it as “such a big deal” for the Jets, while another commented: “Jets bring back Davis! Veteran presence.”
The Jets were busy in the market on Monday. The franchise secured deals with edge players Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare to strengthen their defensive lineup.
Ossai started a career-high nine games in 2025 and was among the Cincinnati Bengals’ most effective pass rushers. He recorded five sacks for the second consecutive season and experienced an improvement in his advanced metrics.
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Meanwhile, Enagbare has appeared in all 68 games (21 starts) across the past four seasons with the Green Bay Packers since entering the league as a fifth-round selection in 2022. The 26-year-old stepped into a starting role after Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL, and he matched a career high with 39 tackles, including 16 solo stops.
He recorded two sacks, six tackles for a loss, and a career-high nine quarterback hits whilst also contributing significantly on special teams.
The Jets also secured former Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata. He signed a one-year contract worth $10.5 million to join New York, strengthening the interior defensive line.