Main Photo: Steve Roberts Imagn Images

Saints Legend Addresses Uncertain Playing Future

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 12:00 PM ET

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis is finishing his 14th year in the league, and the two-time Pro Bowler made it clear he plans to return for a 15th. While the former third-round pick is on the older side, he’s still one of the game’s better and more reliable linebackers. Through the first 16 games of the season, Davis has recorded 137 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, and the sixth-best PFF grade among eligible linebackers.

According to Nick Underhill of NewOlreans.Football, Demario Davis told the Saints media he will return for at least one more season, but it’s worth pointing out that he will be a free agent at the start of the 2026 league year. While the Saints obviously want him back, Davis’s comments suggest he won’t accept a team-friendly deal if a better offer is out there.

“I don’t think in terms of the business element before the business element presents itself,” Davis said. “We’re in a game where contracts do matter, but that’s such a small part of your career.”

Game not found. Please sync games from the admin dashboard.

Dec 28, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) celebrates a sack against the Tennessee Titans during the second half of the game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Demario Davis Will Play In 2026, Could Leave Saints

Based on his comments, it’s clear Demario Davis isn’t too worried about negotiating his next contract, and there is a good chance he’ll re-sign with the Saints. After all, the team needs someone at the center of their defense, and it’s unlikely Davis breaks the bank heading into his age-37 season. The future is bright with second-round pick Tyler Shough under center, as the rookie looks like the real deal and should have this team in the thick of the NFC South race next year.

New Orleans does not have a championship roster, but it could make the playoffs next year. The NFC South is notoriously weak, and there’s a case to be made that the Saints could have won the division this year had they started Shough from Week 1, instead of second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler. Having a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract is one of the biggest competitive advantages in sports, so re-signing an older veteran like Demario Davis makes sense for both sides.

Other Potential Fits

Of course, there is a chance Demario Davis leaves for greener pastures in a few months. While it’s admittedly unlikely at this stage in his career, other teams could offer him more money or a better chance of ending his career with a deep playoff run.

While anyone could make a move for his services, the Los Angeles Chargers seem like the best fit. Quarterback Justin Herbert and head coach Jim Harbaugh have already clinched a playoff spot, and the team has over $103 million in cap space for the upcoming season. If the Chargers play their cards right, they could have one of the league’s most talented rosters next year. Injuries derailed them in 2025, yet they still made the playoffs. Imagine what they could become once everyone’s healthy and all that money is invested in fortifying the depth chart.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: