As the NFL Combine 2024 concludes, all the NFL teams are vying to either release or re-sign their players or acquire talents from another team. The New Orleans Saints are no exception, as they look for a fresh start after ending the last season with a 9-8 record.
The latest one in this regard is Demario Davis as the New Orleans team recently restructured his contract to have him tied for another run in New Orleans.
Demario Davis agrees to a reworked Saints extension
The Saints have made a strategic move to retain Demario Davis, by reworking his contract. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, his new deal spans two years, totaling $17.25 million with a significant $13.25 million in guaranteed sum.
#FFIDP – LB Demario Davis re-worked his contract with the New Orleans Saints to seemingly wrap up his career there.
— Jon Macri (@PFF_Macri) March 11, 2024
Davis has been an excellent NFL linebacker but for IDP hasn't been nearly as effective outside of sporadic big plays.
Davis' tackle output has been among the… pic.twitter.com/g7lrCHH3vz
This deal effectively replaces the final year of Davis’ previous three-year extension, originally set to conclude after the 2024 season. Saints’ general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the agreement.
Following the departure of franchise legend Drew Brees, Davis stands out as one of the most impactful free agent signings in Saints history. His on-field prowess and leadership have been invaluable assets to the team’s success.
The restructuring of his contract comes at a crucial time for the Saints. The Saints were facing cap challenges, with Davis initially set to count $18,193,000 against the 2024 salary cap, per Saints-Wire.
The revised deal alleviates some of that burden, providing financial flexibility for the organization. This move follows a similar arrangement made with starting safety Tyrann Mathieu, ensuring the retention of key defensive contributors for the foreseeable future. With 12 seasons of NFL experience, including the past six with the Saints, Davis has been a consistent force since his draft by the New York Jets in 2012.
New Orleans is likely where Demario Davis will retire
As Demario Davis embarks on another chapter of his illustrious career with the Saints, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the Crescent City is likely where he will retire. At 35 years old, he stands as the eldest linebacker in the NFL, making his longevity and continued impact on the field even more remarkable.
#FFIDP – LB Demario Davis re-worked his contract with the New Orleans Saints to seemingly wrap up his career there.
— Jon Macri (@PFF_Macri) March 11, 2024
Davis has been an excellent NFL linebacker but for IDP hasn't been nearly as effective outside of sporadic big plays.
Davis' tackle output has been among the… pic.twitter.com/g7lrCHH3vz
The recent contract not only cements his commitment to the Saints but aligns him with other defensive pillars like Tyrann Mathieu and Cam Jordan. His new deal helps the Saints form a formidable trio set to contribute for the next two seasons.
Since his arrival in New Orleans in 2018, Davis has been a defensive force, earning All-Pro honors for five consecutive seasons, including the 2023 season. This includes a First Team nod in 2019, followed by four consecutive Second Team recognitions. With a track record of consistent excellence, Davis has secured his place as one of the league’s premier linebackers.
In addition to his stellar tackling ability, the former Jets player has also displayed an aptitude for pass rushing, setting career highs in sacks over the past two seasons with 6.5 each. In the previous season, the defensive lineman showcased his prowess by starting all 17 games, amassing a team-leading 121 tackles (74 solo), 6 1/2 sacks, and 12 tackles for loss. His versatility extended to breaking up four passes, forcing a fumble, and recovering another.
It remains to be seen how he justifies his contract restructure with his on-field performance in this upcoming season.
