New York Jets linebacker Demario Davis is the definition of an ageless wonder.
Entering his 15th NFL season, Davis has remained one of the NFL’s best linebackers in each of the past few seasons. He was so effective in 2025 that the Jets signed him to a two-year, $22 million deal as he enters his age-37 season.
However, some people in the league seem to believe that Davis’ days as a top-10 linebacker are coming to an end.
In ESPN’s off-ball linebacker rankings, generated by surveying over 70 NFL executives, scouts, and coaches, Davis missed out on the top 10 and landed in the honorable mention category.
“Fine wine,” an NFC executive told Fowler regarding the veteran LB. Still, it wasn’t enough for him to earn a spot in the top 10.
Based on his play last season, there is no reason Davis shouldn’t have been in the top 10 of these rankings. In 2025, he recorded 143 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and 55 stops.
Davis finished seventh among linebackers in stops and 10th in total tackles. To boot, he finished the year as Pro Football Focus’ sixth-best LB among 88 qualifiers with an 81.4 overall grade.
Despite his age, the numbers prove that Davis remains one of the best players at his position. Beyond the sheer production, he has also proven to be an incredible leader throughout his career.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn even dubbed him “one of the best leaders he’s ever been around.”
It’s obvious that Davis should have finished higher in these rankings. Regardless, though, he will provide immense value to a Jets linebacker room that struggled mightily last season.
Aside from bringing his own production to the table, he is also expected to wear the team’s green dot, which would take a lot of responsibility off Jamien Sherwood, allowing the 26-year-old to play more freely after a down year.
Sherwood thrived in that role during the 2024 season, when veteran C.J. Mosley was the Jets’ green-dot LB.
Although he’s entering his age-37 season, expect Davis to be a game-wrecker for the Jets in 2026.
