New York Jets Rumors: Demario Davis Not Returning?

New York Jets Rumors: Could the Jets be moving on from linebacker Demario Davis and let him leave as a free agent?

The New York Jets have a lot of questions heading into the NFL offseason. They have a number of players that could hit the open market, including two pieces from their dominant defensive line in Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison. There are already a number of rumors swirling about those two, as Wilkerson looks like he may be destined for the franchise tag, while Harrison is hopeful that he can return to the Jets.

While most of the attention has been on those two players thus far, another Jets’ starter that is heading to free agency is linebacker Demario Davis. Davis was someone the Rex Ryan regime was high on, as he once likened his demeanor and leadership qualities to Ray Lewis. At the time it seemed like another outrageous statement from Ryan, and the same still rings true now.

He never came close to the Lewis comparisons on or off the field. Davis was the starter early in the season next to David Harris on the inside, but did not produce as much as the team had hoped. He had his playing time drastically cut in the final six weeks of the season, as he was given a chance to be an every-down player earlier in the season but his coverage skills, or lack thereof, were exposed and he received less playing time.

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According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Davis’ attempts at being a leader off the field also rubbed teammates the wrong way, and could result in him not returning to the team. Here is part of what Mehta had to say in his Jets’ Mailbag on the New York Daily News wesbite:

"Davis always had air of being a better player and leader than he actually was. I don’t know if it was cockiness, arrogance or just a supreme confidence in himself, but he didn’t deliver enough on Sundays. He tried to be the de facto spokesman, but it never rang true. I know that some of his teammates frowned at him taking the mantle as a team leader. Nice enough guy, but I think he’ll probably be taking his talents elsewhere in 2016."

With Calvin Pace also not expected back with the Jets, and Davis looking unlikely to return, there could be a lot of playing time for second year player Lorenzo Mauldin. Mauldin showed promise as a pass rusher last season, and is someone the Jets like.

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But, with Erin Henderson‘s status also up in the air, linebacker could quickly become a top target for the Jets this offseason as they could be looking at a big turnover at the position from 2015 to 2016.

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