As the New Orleans Saints look toward 2026, one of the biggest storylines looming over the franchise is the future of veteran linebacker Demario Davis. At 37, Davis is still playing like a man half his age-anchoring a defense that, despite its inconsistencies, finished the season on a high note and gave fans reason to believe better days might be ahead.
Let’s be clear: Davis isn’t just a sentimental favorite or locker room leader-he’s still producing at an elite level. His 80.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus speaks volumes, but it’s his 88.9 run-defense grade that really jumps off the page. That kind of impact against the run, especially on a defense that struggled to stop it consistently, makes Davis one of the most valuable players on the Saints roster-regardless of age.
And while Davis may no longer be the sideline-to-sideline coverage linebacker he once was, he’s still holding his own. A 68.3 coverage grade at this stage in his career, especially when he’s being asked to do more in the middle of the field due to injuries and shifting personnel, is more than respectable.
The Saints closed out the season with four wins in their last five games, a stretch that showcased the kind of grit and resilience this team has been searching for. And it’s no coincidence that Davis was at the heart of that turnaround.
Even with an interior defensive line that was inconsistent against the run, Davis held things together. He was the glue-plugging gaps, diagnosing plays before they developed, and cleaning up the mess when others missed their assignments.
His 143 total tackles this season weren’t just a career high-they were a lifeline for a defense that leaned heavily on his instincts and leadership. What’s more, the Saints used him differently this year, dialing back his blitzes to just 26-tying the lowest mark of his career.
That shift in usage meant more time in coverage and more responsibility in space, which naturally led to some statistical dips. But the bigger picture?
Davis adapted. And he still delivered.
There’s also a strategic element to keeping Davis around. With Pete Werner’s role potentially in flux and rookie Danny Stutsman waiting in the wings, Davis could serve as the perfect bridge. A 50/50 snap share between Stutsman and Werner, with Davis continuing to lead the linebacker room, gives the Saints both continuity and a path forward.
From a roster-building standpoint, the Saints aren’t in a position to let a player like Davis walk-not when he’s still producing, not when he’s this integral to the defense, and not when the team is trying to build momentum heading into a pivotal season.
Yes, there’s a financial component to consider. Davis carries a significant dead cap hit if he were to leave this offseason, which makes a return not just logical, but likely.
And by all accounts, Davis wants to be back. He’s made it clear he’s not done yet, and based on how he played this past year, he shouldn’t be.
The Saints have a lot of questions to answer this offseason, but this one feels like a no-brainer. Demario Davis still has gas in the tank, he still commands respect in the locker room, and he’s still one of the most reliable players on the field. For a team trying to turn the corner, keeping a player like that around isn’t just smart-it’s essential.