Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Having too much talent at a position is a problem that every NFL team hopes to be forced to navigate. Surprisingly, despite losing linebacker Demario Davis this offseason, the New Orleans Saints have found their way into that very situation.
After bringing back 2019 seventh-round pick Kaden Elliss, the Saints are back to having a talented linebacker room despite the sizable loss of Davis. New Orleans will also be able to continue adding talent via the draft.
But were the season to start today, the second level of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s group would be in good shape. Elliss adds experience and leadership and is a likely Team Captain candidate for the defensive side of the ball. His versatility as both an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher makes him a valuable third-down chesspiece for Staley to move around.
The biggest question that comes from the investment however is which teammate will line up beside him. One a three-year, $33 million deal, there’s no doubt that Elliss’ role will be prominent. But for returning linebackers Pete Werner and Danny Stutsman, a competition may be on the way.
Werner may not have the flashiest stats or make a ton of highlight plays, but he’s been a valued piece in the second level for the team. Despite that, per Pro Football Focus, Werner took the ninth-fewest snaps (683) among all linebackers that appeared in all 17 games last year. New Orleans does often live in five-defensive back sets, but typically those include a pair of linebackers on the field.
The major difference for Werner was the rotation of linebackers beside Davis throughout the 2025 season.
As a fourth-round selection in last year’s draft, Stutsman garnered a lot of early excitement. He’s an energetic, physical and explosive linebacker that plays downhill with speed and power. He was often rotated in for Werner, most commonly on the third defensive possession of each half.
Additionally, safety-turned-linebacker Isaiah Stalbird saw many snaps in Werner’s place on third downs. Stalbird added a blitzing linebacker presence that also had the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline.
With Stutsman and Stalbird developing through their in-game exposure opportunities and becoming increasingly productive in the meanwhile, the linebacker group will be an interesting one to watch throughout camp.
Werner has been the long-time starter beside Davis since he was drafted in 2021. While he’s missed some games along the way with injury, there’s not been a major availability concern. And while his playstyle doesn’t match the on-camera aesthetic that some desire at the position, it’s clear that the Saints have seen him as a trusted contributor.
While Werner’s missed tackle rate leapt to 15.6% last year, that percentage had been sub-10% for two consecutive years beforehand.
Competition, though, makes everyone better. With Elliss coming in to carry the mantle and set the new standard in the room, Werner is likely to see competition over the offseason. Stutsman, Stalbird and third-year backer Jaylan Ford will all find ways to contribute in 2026, whether on special teams or defense.
But having some more competition in the room could help it reach a new level with new leadership at the reins.
