Demario Davis agrees to an extension with the Saints

Contrary to some bad reporting, the Saints are going to sign an extension with Demario Davis which will let him play out his career in black and gold:

What’d we tell you? Contrary to some bad reporting suggesting the New Orleans Saints were going to have to trade Demario Davis, ESPN’s Adam Schefter says that the Saints reworked their deal with the All-Pro linebacker to insure he’ll retire in black and gold.

It’s an extension very similar to what Tyrann Mathieu received from the Saints last week. Schefter reports that Davis’ new deal is a two-year, $17.25 million contract with $13.25 million in guarantees. The NFL’s oldest starting linebacker (he turned 35 in January) is on the same timeline as Mathieu and defensive end Cameron Jordan, who are all now signed for 2024 and 2025, with the possibility of retirement in 2026.

Davis was set to count against the salary cap by $18,193,000 in 2024, which was the final year of his contract. Instead, that number should fall to about $9.5 million, but stay tuned for details to clarify exactly where his cap hit lands. The Saints were in the red by just $10.7 million prior to reworking his deal so they should be knocking on the door of salary cap compliance after this.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Saints are likelier to extend Demario Davis’ contract than trade him

The Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora reports that the Saints are seeking to trade linebacker Demario Davis, but he’s likelier to sign an extension with New Orleans:

Could the New Orleans Saints trade Demario Davis? That’s what Jason La Canfora is reporting for the Washington Post, chalking it up to the team’s complicated salary cap situation.

“The Saints are pushing to find a trade partner for cornerback Marshon Lattimore and linebacker Demario Davis, two linchpins of their defense, according to people in the industry,” La Canfora wrote.

Davis currently has a salary cap hit north of $18.1 million, third-highest on the team, and trading him would only save about $4.9 million.  He’s the NFL’s oldest starting linebacker at 35 but he’s won four consecutive spots on the Associated Press’ All-Pro team, with back-to-back appearances at the Pro Bowl Games. He hasn’t slowed down yet.

If they’re so worried about the cap (and they aren’t; New Orleans’ reported moves have them in the red by just $10.9 million) the Saints would save almost twice as month money with a standard restructure: $8.09 million. And they’d still have Davis on the roster. He is entering the final year of his deal so there’s a risk of him leaving a lot of dead money behind next year by taking that route.

Which brings us to the possibility of an extension. Cutting a new deal with Davis would save even more money (around $8.6 million) by redoing his contract and spreading his already-guaranteed money out while insuring he’ll get to retire in black and gold. That’s the approach they took with Tyrann Mathieu (and Cameron Jordan last summer), and it makes sense to use the same mechanisms with Davis. He’s an important leader and playmaker on their defense.

You should never say never in the NFL, but the money alone makes trading Davis a bad idea for the Saints. Combine that with his contract status, his still-impressive level of play, and the options available to them and it’s tough to draw the same conclusions La Canfora came away with. The only certainty is that Davis can’t be playing for New Orleans this year as his contract is currently written. Whether it’s another restructure, extension, or something else, something’s got to give.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Demario Davis named Defensive MVP of the 2024 Pro Bowl Games

Saints linebacker Demario Davis was named the Defensive MVP of the 2024 Pro Bowl Games for his performance in dodgeball and flag football:

Demario Davis represented the New Orleans Saints well at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games — a standout in the NFC versus AFC dodgeball game, flag football scrimmage, and other skills challenges, Davis was recognized as the all-star game’s defensive most valuable player.

And when he took the stage to accept that award, Davis delivered a characteristic speech thanking his teammates and paying respect to his opponents coaching the AFC all-star team.

“Man, firstly man I had a lot of great teammates. The best in the business, they played awesome, I’ve got to give an amazing shoutout to them,” Davis said. “It was great being on the NFC team, the winning team, but most importantly being on the winning team, which is the kingdom of God. That’s where my power comes from, that’s where my glory goes. Being on this stage with the greats like Eli Manning, DeMarcus Ware, going against Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis, the legends of the game, you know you’ve got to be locked in mentally and that’s how we showed up. It’s an honor to be here.”

There’s a couple of Pro Football Hall of Famers in that group, and Davis might join them someday. He’s now been selected for two Pro Bowls while earning five consecutive All-Pro selections. He’s continued to defy Father Time late into his career and is on track to continue earning accolades. Whether or not he goes the distance to earn a bronze bust in Canton, he’s a Saints legend through and through.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Demario Davis named Saints’ 2023 MVP by CBS Sports

It’s no contest: Demario Davis was named the New Orleans Saints’ 2023 MVP by CBS Sports

The New Orleans Saints did not have a great season, but it wasn’t all bad. Players like Demario Davis solidified their talents once again with great seasons. Davis was given recognition this week when CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan named him the Saints’ MVP for this season.

Davis has been elite since getting to New Orleans, one of the franchise’s best free agent signings ever. Now, he gets his second straight and overall career Pro Bowl as well.

This season Davis led the team (by far) in tackles with 121 total. He was second on the team in sacks with 6.5. Not only is he a leader on the field, but he is clearly the team’s leader in the locker room as well. His presence was much needed after the retirement of Drew Brees.

CBS Sports wasn’t alone in viewing Davis as the Saints’ MVP, as there was a near-consensus among our staff when we handed out our season awards. He’s an impactful player on the field and a positive influence in the locker room. What more can you ask for?

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Demario Davis selected for 2024 Pro Bowl Games as an alternate

Saints captain Demario Davis has been selected for 2024 Pro Bowl Games as an alternate, replacing Super Bowl-bound 49ers linebacker Fred Warner:

Congratulations are in order for Demario Davis: the New Orleans Saints linebacker has been selected for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games as an alternate, replacing San Francisco 49ers starter Fred Warner on the NFC roster. He’s the first Saints linebacker selected for back-to-back Pro Bowls since Jonathan Vilma did it in 2009 and 2010.

Davis, 35, was also named to the Pro Bowl Games last season for the first time in his impressive NFL career. He’s earned All-Pro recognition in each of the last five years with the Saints but this is just his second Pro Bowl Games appearance. He’ll be joining teammate Rashid Shaheed at this year’s event.

The 2024 Pro Bowl Games will feature several days of contests between the NFC and AFC all-star rosters, leading up to a flag football game scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 4 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Fans can tune in on ESPN, ABC, Disney XD, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Rashid Shaheed, Demario Davis named All-Pros by the Associated Press

New Orleans Saints playmakers Rashid Shaheed and Demario Davis were each named All-Pros by the Associated Press:

This is really cool: two members of the New Orleans Saints were selected for this year’s All-Pro teams by the Associated Press, with punt returner Rashid Shaheed named to the first team and linebacker Demario Davis picked for the second team.

Shaheed finished the year with the third-most punt return yards (339), having averaged 13.6 yards per return on 25 attempts. He led the NFL in all-purpose yards (1,479) thanks to his 384 kick return yards and 756 yards from scrimmage, 719 as a receiver and 37 as a rusher.

It’s the fifth year in a row that Davis has earned All-Pro recognition on either the first or second team; by earning a spot on the second team this year, Davis triggered a $500,000 bonus in his Saints contract. He’s continuing to play well late into his career, having celebrated his 35th birthday on Thursday.

A handful of other Saints players earned votes for the All-Pro list, per ESPN’s Katherine Terrell: cornerback Paulson Adebo, special teams ace J.T. Gray, and long snapper Zach Wood; and Shaheed got votes for his work as a kick returner, too. Hopefully they can all build off their successful individual seasons and get New Orleans back to the playoffs this time next year.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

WATCH: Demario Davis gets Saints ready for Panthers with pregame speech

WATCH: Demario Davis gets Saints ready for Panthers with pregame speech

The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers are ready for their Week 14 matchup in the Superdome. While a number of key players are out today, Demario Davis is still in attendance and able to give his classic pregame speech.

His speech today was focused around the phrase: “I am.”

“Who is going to make the plays? I am. Who’s going to dominate the opponent? I am,” said Davis. The hope is that every player on the team will take this feeling and apply it to themselves. Motivation may be hard to find on a three game losing streak, but today is as good of a chance ot snap it as any.

Will this get the players motivated enough to defend their home turf against the 1-11 Panthers? Only time will tell.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

These Saints players are on the 2024 Pro Bowl Games ballot

Voting has opened for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games. Here are the New Orleans Saints players on the ballot:

Voting has opened for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, and a number of New Orleans Saints players are on the ballot. Who will make the trip to Orlando for this season’s festivities?

Last year, the Saints were represented by linebacker Demario Davis (in his first-ever Pro Bowl appearance) and defensive end Cameron Jordan (in his eighth). Derek Carr was also in attendance, though he was repping the Las Vegas Raiders on the AFC roster.

Here are the Saints players you can vote for:

WATCH: Demario Davis addresses the Saints pregame hurdle in Week 10

WATCH: Demario Davis addresses the Saints pregame hurdle before kickoff with the Vikings in Week 10

We’re minutes away from kickoff between the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings, and All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis is here to lead the way. Davis addressed his teammates in their traditional pregame huddle from U.S. Bank Stadium, delivering a speech to get everyone hyped up. It’s a practice he took over from Drew Brees who led the huddle each week for a decade.

And he’s someone who leads by example. There aren’t many linebackers who play every down for their defense, and even fewer of them do so after turning 34. Davis has beaten Father Time thus far, and the Saints will be counting on him to do it again on Sunday against the Vikings.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

WATCH: Demario Davis meets with Saints fans before Week 5 Patriots game

WATCH: Demario Davis meets with Saints fans before Week 5 Patriots game

Demario Davis has been a fan favorite since he joined the New Orleans back in 2018. Some fans at the Saints-New England Patriots game got a chance to meet and take pictures with the star linebacker before the game.

Davis is a leader of the defense that has been the bright spot of this team. He is currently second on the team in tackles, behind Pete Werner. Even at the age of 34 he’s been as reliable as ever.

After spending a few years bouncing around, Davis has found a home in New Orleans and has really embraced the community. Outside of spending time with fans before games, he’s become a big part of the New Orleans charity scene.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]