Jets' Demario Davis Explains Why He Returned to New York
This offseason, the New York Jets have brought back a familiar face.
All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis will return to New York for his third stint with the Jets this season.
Davis, who spent the past eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints, is returning to the franchise that originally selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Now entering his 15th season in the NFL, Davis believes he has unfinished business in New York as he returns to provide veteran leadership to this young Jets defense.
Demario Davis on his Third Tenure in New York
Davis recently opened up about what it means to be a Jet again and why returning to New York was so important to him.
"Leaving a few years ago, I felt the mission personally here was a little incomplete," Davis told NewYorkJets.com. "This is my third time around, but this time I come back very different, very purposeful, very clear on vision, on who I am."
He also explained why coming back to the Jets was a meaningful decision.
"This wasn't a happenstance situation," Davis said." This was a choice, knowing who I am and what I am called to be. I know what I'm stepping into this time around. I know what I'm bringing into a locker room. I know I play the game at an elite level. I know every year I'm trying to play better than the prior year."
Davis had 143 tackles with New Orleans last season, his ninth consecutive year with 100 or more tackles.
Davis' Impact on the Jets Linebacker Group
The Jets will lean on Davis' veteran presence next season as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 3-14 campaign. The veteran defensive leader will play alongside Jamien Sherwood and Marcelino McCrary-Ball, providing stability and leadership to the Jets' linebacker group.
Davis spent the first four seasons of his career with the Jets from 2012 to 2015. He later signed with the Cleveland Browns before returning to the Jets in 2017. During his time with the Saints, where he signed in 2018, he emerged as one of the NFL's premier linebackers, earning multiple All-Pro honors and establishing himself as one of the league's top defensive leaders.
Now back in New York, Davis will look to bring the same leadership and production to a Jets team looking to take a step forward under head coach Aaron Glenn.
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This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 5:48 AM.