Demario Davis is entering a pivotal season in his career

Demario Davis saw his streak of All-Pro teams come to a close in 2025, and it's coincided with some questioning the ability of the New Orleans Saints linebacker. The New Orleans Saints season is 56 days away, and Davis' 2025 campaign will go a long way to proving these questions were unwarranted.

At age 36, any perceived step back will garner a big reaction and questions if it's the beginning of the end. It's especially true when the step back is in athleticism. It's natural but a bit overblown. Davis wasn't one of the four best linebackers in football, but he's still the Saints best defensive player.

Davis may not be in the upper echelon of linebackers. That shouldn't lead to a dramatization of his drop off. Davis remains a strong run defender and still impacts the game. How long will that be true?

Demario Davis' retirement plans

Davis made it very clear what his plans are moving forward. "My goal is to do three more years and then I’m out of here."

There was one additional aspect of Davis' goal that could become a focal point of his decision. In addition to desiring to play three more years, Davis also said, "I’m not planning on no drop-off going out of here."

No player plans on his play declining. however, Davis is already in his mid-thirties and will be 38 by the time the 2027 season rolls around. You always have to monitor for a decline at this point. If there is a slight drop off, do the plans change?

Davis' 2025 campaign could impact the Saints LB's goals

Davis did seem a step slower last year. Instead of making plays in space, 2024 saw a more physical downhill version of Davis than we've seen in recent years. Is that enough to call it a drop-off?

It'd be one thing if he wasn't impactful, but Davis is just not as athletic. That's enough to create doubt. Athleticism will likely continue to drop, but if the dip is steep this season, three more years may not be feasible.