By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — When he was drafted, New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner was given very clear expectations by his team. This offseason, the Saints rewarded him for meeting those expectations.
Early in training camp, Werner and the Saints agreed to a contract extension. The base of the deal is $22.5 million including a $5.5 million signing bonus. There are also an additional $2.55 million in incentives which pushed the maximum contract value to just over $25 million.
For Werner, the numbers are one thing, but the real value is that the negotiations are now behind him.
“For me personally, I just know it’s all about ball now,” Werner said to local media after Friday’s practice. “And going out and winning. So that’s the only thing on my mind.”
Having the contract talks out of the way is providing Werner with a clear vision for his goals on the field without the distraction of talks in the front office. The commitment he received from his drafting team is a vote of confidence in his ability to make good on that clarity. Werner seems ready to prove them right.
“When I got drafted here,” Werner said. “I was told, ‘You’re going to be rewarded for how you play, how you lead and how you compete.’ And I feel like I did those things and was rewarded. So I’m just happy to go out and continue to show what I do.”
Werner finished last year with 93 combined tackles. Through the first six weeks of the 2022 season, he led the league in solo tackles. For Werner, this year will be all about consistency and keeping his strong starts going.
He has been one of the more impressive players throughout training camp and despite the addition of linebacker Willie Gay Jr., has seen the field a lot when healthy.
Too much focus and emphasis was out on whether or not Gay Jr. and Werner were going to be locked up in a position battle. It seems more likely that the Saints are invested in getting all three of their star linebackers, Demario Davis included, on the field. Or at least a varying combination of pairs.
Werner’s deal solidifies his important role on the team’s defense. He has been one of their better run defenders while adding more play-making ability over the last few two seasons. After this affirmation from his team, Werner is looking to take things to the next level in 2024.
“I’m excited to stay in New Orleans a little bit longer,” he said. “And continue to expand with this team and grow with this team.”
