The New York Jets made shoring up their defense a priority after finishing near the bottom of the league in several defensive categories during the 2025 season.
One area the team addressed this offseason was its linebacker corps, where it brought back a familiar face to help strengthen the defense.
The Jets have reunited with linebacker Demario Davis, who returns to New York after continuing to play at a high level despite being 37 years old.
Davis remains at the top of his game, coming off a very productive season with the New Orleans Saints in which he recorded 143 tackles.
The Jets are hoping their linebacker group, which features Davis alongside Jamien Sherwood, can help lead the team back to relevance. One ESPN writer believes that the linebacker position could be a strength for the New York Jets.
ESPN Identifies Jets’ Biggest Strength
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ESPN writer Mike Clay believes the Jets' biggest strength heading into the 2026 NFL season is off-ball linebacker following the return of Davis.
"Off-ball linebacker. This one might be a bit controversial, but Demario Davis is back and still playing at a high level at age 37," Clay wrote. "Davis ranked 10th in the NFL with 143 tackles last season, and he has now cleared 100 in nine consecutive seasons, totaling 36.5 sacks during that span. The future Hall of Famer will team up with Jamien Sherwood, whose 308 tackles over the past two seasons are the second-most in the NFL."
The Jets' Defensive Overhaul
There's no doubt that Davis could be an impact player for the Jets next season. Last season, the Jets struggled defensively throughout the 2025 campaign, finishing 3-14. His skill set could make this team more formidable next season.
The Jets will be leaning on Davis' veteran leadership to help transform their linebacker corps. Sherwood, who signed a three-year, $45 million contract this offseason, is coming off a productive season in which he recorded 154 total tackles, including 71 solo tackles.
Davis was drafted by the Jets in 2012 and spent the first three years of his career with the team. He returned for a one-year stint in 2017. He has had his greatest success with the New Orleans Saints, where he emerged as one of the NFL's best linebackers, earning two Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors in 2018.
Now back in New York, Davis will look to provide veteran leadership, stability, and production while helping mentor a revamped Jets defense aiming to take a major step forward.
