Demario Davis Reveals Retirement Plan – But There’s a Catch!
Veteran Linebacker Plans to Play Three More Years Before Calling It a Career
Demario Davis Confirms His Retirement Plan:
How long will Demario Davis play for the New Orleans Saints? He gave a definitive answer to Matt Moscona for the Afternoon review: “My goal is to play three more years and then I’ll be gone.”
The Saints’ Roster Shift and Davis’ Role in It:
Davis is in an interesting place in both his career and his situation with the team. Saints are more likely to move into the youth movement. Davis is one of the best players on the Saints’ defence. If any experienced player will be safe, it is him. There’s still the factor of unpredictability with a new coach looking to clean house.
A decline in recognition, but not in performance:
For the first time in five years, Davis did not crack the Associated Press All-Pro. Even with having a lot said against him this year, the man still elicited an All-Pro vote, and he continues to play like a high, high level individual, but maybe not to All-Pro standards here.
The Challenge of Aging in the NFL:
Because of this, you will often hear that he is taking a step back. He is 36 years old and the oldest linebacker in the NFL, so his athleticism can be expected to decline. However, he isn’t doing badly. It’s challenging to manage an athlete who is performing well but not meeting a specific standard.However, he is not performing poorly. An athlete playing well but not at a predetermined standard is difficult to deal with.
Preparing for Life After Davis:
Davis isn’t in a position where you’re putting him in the “farewell tour” category, but you are preparing for life after him or bringing in an athletic linebacker to pair with him.
Contract Considerations and Future Plans:
Davis plans for three more seasons and told Moscona, “I plan on having no letdowns when I go out here.” That would make him almost 40 years old and we’ve already seen a slight decline in athleticism. We should also point out that his contract expires after the 2025 season, so he will need another extension to realize this vision.
A Strategic Approach to Maximizing Davis’ Impact:
This year there was a surge in physicality. Pairing Davis with an athletic partner and allowing him to not be so tall could make him just as effective. It wouldn’t be as flashy, but it could help Davis and the Saints defense in the long run.
Conclusion
Demario Davis has set a clear timeline for his retirement, aiming to play three more seasons before stepping away from the game. While he remains a key leader for the Saints’ defense, the realities of age and roster evolution mean that adjustments will be necessary. His slightly diminished athleticism does not overshadow his experience, leadership, and ability to make an impact on the field.
As the Saints transition towards a younger core, finding the right balance between utilizing Davis’ strengths and preparing for the future will be crucial. Whether through a contract extension or strategic roster moves, the team will need to decide how best to support him in his final years. If Davis’ mindset and determination hold true, he plans to go out on his own terms—still playing at a high level and leaving behind a lasting legacy.
