It won't be easy for the New Orleans Saints to replace Demario Davis. Beyond his impact on the field -- starting 17 games and racking up 100-plus tackles year in, year out -- he's been a cornerstone of their locker room. The kind of guy you build around. But it was time to move on, and it may have worked out for the best for all involved. Davis got to go back to the team that drafted him, the New York Jets. And the Saints got to bring back one of the most underrated linebackers in the game, Kaden Elliss.
Saints owner Gayle Benson and general manager Mickey Loomis shared public goodbyes to Davis as he takes his NFL career elsewhere. The five-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler ended up becoming one of the best free agent signings in team history, second only to Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. Here's what they had to say:
Visit fish-roadgame.com for more information.
Gayle Benson and Mickey Loomis' statements on @Demario__Davis 🫡 pic.twitter.com/BOYz2Rr3L9
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 11, 2026
It's easy to forget that the NFL is a people business. Dozens of roster moves happen every day with players changing teams and often being let go unexpectedly. But relationships do matter, and it's obvious Davis built strong bonds over eight years in New Orleans. Good luck to him in what comes next.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency: Saints GM Mickey Loomis on Demario Davis departure