While it isn’t a position that saw a heavy volume of turnover, the New Orleans Saints’ linebacker room may be the position group that saw the biggest change this offseason.
With the departure of long-time starter and locker room leader Demario Davis, the team is looking to embrace a new era of leadership thanks to the return of 2019 draft selection Kaden Elliss.
With the shift, Elliss isn’t being asked to simply fill Davis’s shoes in a carbon copy way. Instead, he’s being asked to help usher in the next generation of Saints football his own way. The three-time team captain should be more than ready to rise to the occasion.
Outside of that exchange, the linebacker room doesn’t appear likely to undergo much change this offseason. At least not yet.
Linebackers
- Kaden Elliss
- Pete Werner
- Danny Stutsman
- Isaiah Stalbird
- Jaylan Ford
Outside of the Elliss for Davis swap, it’s tough to project any further changes to this room. Werner and Stutsman are expected to rotate at MIKE, while Elliss holds the more versatile WILL role as the primary defensive communicator. The intrigue here will be just how much Stutsman’s role grows after being deployed on a limited but consistent rotation plan last year.
Stalbird and Ford serve key special teams roles and perform very well in the area. Stalbird also saw an interesting third down package role last year. With Elliss’s experience rushing the passer from the edge, that rotation could continue for Stalbird in 2026 in some very creative ways.
The odd man out here is recently signed Jackson Sirmon, son of Saints linebackers coach Peter Sirmon. He’s the only other new name introduced to the position this offseason with no draft picks, undrafted signings or additional free agency acquisitions thus far.
Sirmon is a shoo-in for the practice squad if he doesn’t surprise and take one of the last two spots behind Elliss, Werner and Stutsman.
