Jets' new $22 million linebacker called 'fine wine' by NFC exec

1 hour ago 1

The New York Jets have made a lot of changes to the offense and defense after a disastrous 2025 season, as Aaron Glenn attempts to save his job as the Jets' head coach.

While there's a lot of focus on the draft pick additions, one of the more interesting additions came on the defensive side of the ball in free agency with 37-year-old veteran linebacker Demario Davis on a $22 million, two-year deal.

Davis might be older, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler shared that he received top-10 linebacker votes from NFL scouts, executives, and coaches in a recent poll, including one NFC executive saying Davis is like "fine wine."

New Jets LB Demario Davis is like 'fine wine' per NFC exec

"Demario Davis, New York Jets: 'Fine wine.' -- NFC exec," Fowler shared. This simple comment is a great one to describe what Davis can bring to the Jets.

While he's 37 years old and likely nearing the end of his NFL career, Davis is still a great linebacker. In his 30's, starting in 2019, Davis has been an All-Pro five times, including one first-team and four second-team nods.

This past season for the New Orleans Saints, David had 143 tackles with 65 solo, six tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, a 0.5 sack, two forced fumbles, three passes defended, and one fumble recovery while playing all 17 games.

MORE: Browns’ Sheduer Sanders predicted to win QB battle during training camp

Davis has been one of the best veteran linebackers in the NFL, and even at 37 years old, heading into his 15th season in the NFL, and back with the Jets after more than a decade, he's still receiving top-10 LB votes.

Sure, Davis might not be in the Jets' long-term plans, but he's still a solid veteran who should raise the floor of this defense, which desperately needs help after a disastrous 2025 season.

The Jets spent $22 million over two seasons on Davis, and if he continues to age like "fine wine" as this NFC executive said, then the veteran linebacker will play at a high level for the Jets as his career winds down.