Pete Werner’s hold on a Saints starting job looks a lot shakier than it did when New Orleans handed him a three-year extension not that long ago.
The contract still keeps him tethered to the team, but the numbers don’t exactly scream long-term security. If the Saints were to cut or trade Werner this year, the savings would only be $1.2 million. The bigger financial escape hatch doesn’t arrive until 2027, when New Orleans could clear $6.5 million against the cap by moving him then.
There’s another wrinkle that makes this season feel especially important for Werner: it’s the last year of his guaranteed salary. That alone puts pressure on him, and it gets even louder when you factor in his issues in space. If he doesn’t sharpen his game, the Saints have younger linebackers ready to push past him.
The names to watch are Jaylon Ford, Isaiah Stalbird and Danny Stutsman. All three are younger than Werner, and the Saints are reportedly high on them. Stutsman appears to be the one drawing the most attention.
The former Oklahoma Sooner has become a fan favorite, and according to CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, he may have the highest ceiling in the room. “He's an incredibly talented player,” Edwards said to Matt Moscona on After Further Review.
“His instincts at the position needed to develop a bit more, and he is somebody that I think could lead to turnover-worthy plays. He would be one I'd watch in terms of how he grows this offseason.”
Edwards’ mention of turnover-worthy plays stands out because Werner has produced at least a couple of turnovers in each season since 2022. Last season, Stutsman, Ford and Stalbird had none.
Werner still has a path to sticking around beyond the 2026 season, but he may need to make his mark in a hurry. Right now, the signs point toward a future somewhere other than New Orleans.
In Other News...
Saints Camp Battle Could Force A Defensive Line Shakeup
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Brandon Staleys arrival as defensive coordinator adds another layer to the fight, because the way New Orleans uses its interior linemen could change along with the scheme. The Saints want a sturdier run defense and more flexibility from snap to snap, which makes this more than a simple numbers game. By the end of camp, the real question may not be who is on the field, but how many of those spots are actually open. [Read more 🡒]
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For Rattler, the stakes are broader than one roster spot. The preseason will be his stage to show other teams what he can do in limited snaps, and the Saints still view him as a valuable piece even as they weigh whether to keep him or listen if the right offer comes along. How he plays over the next few weeks could shape not just the depth chart, but the next stop in his career. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Camp Could Flip Three Key Position Battles Fast
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Brock Rechsteiner has a path if the receiver room opens up, especially if the ball security issues around him keep showing up, while the interior line picture could shift if Jeremiah Wright keeps developing at the right pace. Add in the quarterback competition behind the starter, and this is the kind of camp where a few strong weeks can change the conversation fast, even if the final answers are still a little ways off. [Read more 🡒]