Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The top of the New Orleans Saints linebacker room is one of its strongest starting personnel groups on the roster. Now, thanks to some young standouts throughout the offseason, the depth is set to be better than it has been in quite some time.
Starters Demario Davis and Pete Werner are among some of the most solidified names on the team. Davis is a top linebacker across the league, and while Werner may lack the splashy stats, he has been a constant in the defense since he was drafted back in 2021.
The story of what’s new and exciting across the group comes down to the guys holding the other roster spots, all of which earned their opportunities with strong training camp and preseason performances.
Active Roster
- Demario Davis
- Pete Werner
- Jaylan Ford
- Isaiah Stalbird
- Danny Stutsman
Practice Squad
- Nephi Sewell
Saints Linebacker Depth Impressive
Ford, Stalbird, Stutsman and Sewell all showed some great flashes over the last few months.
Ford nabbed an interception in the preseason, Sewell reeled in a pair in camp and Stutsman grabbed one in camp. All four found ways to have an impact in the running game and Stalbird made some splashes as a pressure player.
.@Saints LB Jaylan Ford read it perfectly for the pick
Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/53DcgLS7aW— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025
With each showing out as tacklers and coverage players, there is a lot of versatility and potential impact should any of them be called into action.
Should the Saints have to turn to their depth in 2025, they look to be in promising shape. That’s much more than what would have been said in previous years.
Stutsman’s Future Is Bright
One of the most exciting prospects at the position is Sutsman, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The rookie has been training as the immediate backup behind Davis working with communication systems and commanding the middle of the team’s new defense. His relentless motor, communication skills and football IQ are setting him up with an opportunity to play a large role in the future of the unit.
