The New York Jets announced the return of linebacker Demario Davis on Monday, signing him to a two-year contract worth $22 million, with $15 million guaranteed. This marks Davis’s third tenure with the AFC East team as the Jets continue to strengthen their defense.
Davis’s NFL Journey and Recent Performance
Originally drafted by the Jets in the third round in 2012, Demario Davis played four seasons with New York before spending 2016 with the Cleveland Browns. He returned to the Jets for a year, then spent the past eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Throughout his time with New Orleans, he started every game he played, totaling 131 starts. In the most recent season, Davis recorded 143 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Additional Defensive Moves by the Jets
Alongside Davis’s return, the Jets have agreed to sign defensive ends Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. The team is also preparing to acquire safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins in a trade expected to complete at the start of the 2026 league year on Wednesday.
Implications for the Jets’ Defense Moving Forward
The re-signing of Demario Davis reaffirms the Jets’ commitment to experience and leadership in their defensive unit, aiming to build a more resilient and veteran presence on the field. With the additions of Ossai, Enagbare, and Fitzpatrick, the team is cautiously optimistic about improving their defensive capabilities in the upcoming seasons, though the full impact remains to be seen as these new pieces integrate.
