NY Jets film room: Is Demario Davis still an elite LB?

Fourteen years ago, the Rex Ryan-led New York Jets used a third-round pick on a 23-year-old, hard-hitting linebacker from Arkansas State.

He went by the name of Demario Davis.

His initial four-year run in green was rocky, to say the least. Davis secured a starting role by Year 2, and while his tenacity jumped off the screen, his struggles in coverage were detrimental to New York’s defense. In 2016, the Jets allowed him to walk in free agency to the Cleveland Browns on a modest two-year, $8 million deal.

After another shaky year in Cleveland, the Jets decided to take a second chance on Davis, sending disappointing first-round safety Calvin Pryor to the Browns for their former third-round pick.

Everything clicked for Davis in 2017. At 28 years old, Davis became a star in Year 6, leading the NFL with 97 solo tackles.

Davis wound up joining the New Orleans Saints, where he enjoyed eight successful seasons, including five All-Pro appearances. In 2026, he is back in New York for his third stint as a Jet.

While most can agree that Davis was primarily added for his leadership, the Jets made it clear that they still see him as a top-end linebacker when they signed him to a two-year, $22 million deal. He is tied for the 13th-highest salary at the position.

We know Davis is as good as they come in the locker room. But what does he have left to offer on the field at age 37? Is he as good as his 2025 statistics say he was?

On the latest episode of Blewett’s Blitz, we break down the All-22 film from Davis’ 2025 season to see what he has left in the tank.

Below is the full Demario Davis scouting report (strengths and weaknesses across his entire 2025 season) and film review.