Demario Davis has been the heart and soul of the Saints' defense for the better part of a decade. For eight seasons, he’s been a constant presence in New Orleans - a sideline-to-sideline linebacker whose leadership and production have kept him among the league’s most respected defenders. And while Davis made it clear earlier this month that he still has the fire to play - and ideally, play in black and gold - the door is now open for something we haven’t seen in nearly ten years: Davis testing the free agent market.
According to Kay Adams, Davis is considering exploring unrestricted free agency. It’s a notable shift for the veteran linebacker, especially given his history of staying put once he finds the right fit. But with the Saints entering a new era - a fresh coaching staff, a likely rebuild on the horizon - there’s a real possibility the team and Davis may not be aligned on what comes next.
Davis, now 37, hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. He wrapped up the 2025 season with 143 total tackles, six tackles for loss, a half sack, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
That’s not just production - that’s impact. He was on the field for all 17 games, still playing with the kind of sideline range and football IQ that’s made him a staple in the Saints’ defensive scheme.
And while contract talks can often dominate the offseason narrative, Davis has kept a level head about it. When asked about his future, he downplayed the business side.
“We’re in a game where contracts do matter, but that’s such a small part of your career,” Davis said. “That happens in a little small window in the offseason, once every other year or every couple years.
And when that time gets here - man, in 14 years, that’s always worked itself out. It has always worked itself out.
I’ve never had to really negotiate a contract. They’ve always negotiated themselves.
So when that time gets here, that’s very low on my concern meter right now. I’m focused on finishing the season strong.”
That kind of perspective doesn’t come overnight. Davis has been through the NFL grind.
Drafted in the third round by the Jets back in 2012, he spent his first four seasons in New York before heading to Cleveland in 2016 on a two-year, $8 million deal with $4.2 million guaranteed. A year later, he was traded back to the Jets in exchange for safety Calvin Pryor - a move that set the stage for his eventual arrival in New Orleans.
In 2018, Davis signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Saints, and he quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. That was followed by a three-year, $27 million extension in 2020, which included $18.35 million guaranteed. Most recently, ahead of the 2024 season, Davis agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract, restructuring his deal to help the team manage the cap.
But now, with that contract nearing its end and the Saints potentially heading in a new direction, Davis finds himself at a crossroads. He’s never been one to chase headlines or stir speculation, but the fact that he’s open to free agency suggests he’s ready to see what opportunities might be out there - whether that’s a return to New Orleans or a new chapter elsewhere.
For teams looking for veteran leadership, high-level production, and a locker room presence you can build around, Davis will be one of the most intriguing names on the market. He’s not just a linebacker - he’s a tone-setter, a culture guy, and a proven performer who’s still playing at a high level deep into his career.
Wherever he ends up, one thing’s certain: Demario Davis still has plenty of football left.