Monday proved to be a chaotic day in the NFL world as the league's legal tampering period officially began, with The Pat McAfee Show breaking news regarding a Jets acquisition
15:35 ET, 09 Mar 2026
Demario Davis has returned to the Jets for a third time
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Demario Davis has returned to the Jets for a third time(Image: Getty Images)
The New York Jets made a series of defensive moves to open free agency — including a reunion with Demario Davis.
The Jets are in the market for a quarterback alongside a host of other positions as Aaron Glenn seeks to build a roster in the wake of a dismal 3-14 season. After trading the likes of Quinnen Williams during the season and Jermaine Johnson recently, the AFC East franchise needed to make some moves on defense.
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Davis lands with the Jets after spending eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints. The former All-Pro linebacker returns to New York, rejoining the franchise that picked him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
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On Monday, as the window for free agency deals to be agreed in principle closed, Davis agreed to terms with the Jets on a two-year deal worth $22 million, with $15 million fully guaranteed. The 37-year-old linebacker is entering his 15th NFL season and adds a crucial veteran presence to the Jets' defense.
The free agency move was announced on The Pat McAfee Show, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter breaking the news.
Remarkably, this will also be Davis’ third stint with the Jets. The former Saints star was drafted by the Jets and returned in 2017 before heading to New Orleans, where he connected with current Jets coach Glenn.
Glenn is turning to the veteran to help the new-look defense, after the unit finished 31st in points allowed last season. The Jets fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with three games remaining, and while Brian Duker is his successor, Glenn said he will call the defensive plays in 2026.
In January, Davis admitted he knew he would play in 2026 before the 2025 season had ended. His confidence in maintaining his high level of play came after he set a new career-high in tackles (143) for the second straight season, and he has decided to go to a familiar place in New York.
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Demario Davis spent eight seasons with the Saints, establishing himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL
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Demario Davis spent eight seasons with the Saints, establishing himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL(Image: Getty Images)
Fans were pleased. One user suggested it was "such a big deal" for the Jets, while another posted: "Jets bring back Davis! Veteran presence."
The Jets were active in the market on Monday. The Jets struck deals with edge players Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare to bolster their defensive presence.
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Ossai started a career-high nine games in 2025 and was one of the Cincinnati Bengals' most productive pass rushers. He tallied five sacks for the second straight season and saw an uptick in his advanced metrics.
Meanwhile, Enagbare has played in all 68 games (21 starts) over the past four seasons for the Green Bay Packers since he entered the league as a fifth-round pick in 2022. The 26-year-old became a starter after Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL, and he tied a career high with 39 tackles, including 16 solo stops. He had two sacks, six tackles for a loss, and a career-high nine quarterback hits while also playing a key role on special teams.
The Jets also landed former Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata. He inked a one-year deal worth $10.5 million to head to New York, shoring up the interior defensive line.