Vet Status: LB Pete Werner looks to solidify role in new defense

By Ross Jackson

With the team set to report for OTAs this week, a lot of excitement around the new faces of the New Orleans Saints is bubbling up. However, with the excitement of young rookies joining a team comes the potential for them to push established veterans out of roles or roster spots.

Some incumbent Saints are going to have a lot of new competition incoming. At the same time, they have an effectively all-new coaching staff to convince in the meanwhile. There will be no loyalties and nothing given this offseason. 

This series will focus on returning Saints that are in for a fight for their roles. Because of the nature of this offseason and the extensive amount of change throughout, the list is long, so we’ll take it one at a time.

LB Pete Werner

This time, we’ll head over to the defense. The middle of the defense, to be exact. Werner hasn’t been a disappointment by any stretch when he’s on the field. He was extended with a three-year deal last year, showing that the organization is happy with the production they’ve gotten from him since being drafted in 2021. However, teams are always looking to continue to improve.

That is likely why the team invested one of its mid-round selections in another linebacker in this year’s draft class, Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman.

Werner should have a clear runway to preserve his role in the middle of new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme. Werner’s all-around ability to contribute as a run stopper, coverage player and pass rusher has been coveted by New Orleans. He’ll just need to prove he can amp up the consistency from which he impacts the game in those phases. Continuing to up his playmaking ability would go a long way as well.

INTERCEPTED!!!

Pete Werner takes it away 🙌#Saints | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/WXfDmcNqOf

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 8, 2023

Why Werner Has a Solid Chance

The linebacker is one of only two players at his position with more than a pair of starts under his belt in the pros. After the departure of linebacker Anfernee Orji, Werner and fellow starter Demario Davis make up 244 of the unit’s 245 career starts. There are very few substitutes for experience, even with a scheme change imminent. 

He also contributes most consistently in what is arguably his most important role, that of a run-stopper.

#NewOrleansSaints call the cross dog blitz and MLBs Demario Davis & Pete Werner execute it to perfection. Sometimes it’s good to mix up the fit. Run blitzes like this give O Linemen hell. #Whodat #nflhighlights pic.twitter.com/pJplU3ztmW

— Jalen Bates (@coachjalenbates) November 12, 2024

Werner will continue to hold on to his role as long as he simply stays on the field and makes plays consistently. It’s likely that he’ll see some rotation or a slightly changing list of responsibilities because of the new system. But at the moment, his experience and capabilities against the run will keep him elevated among the group.

What Stands in Werner’s Way

Two things can primarily provide a hurdle for Werner’s role. There should be no questions about his roster spot, but his snaps and what is asked of him can see change because of health and the play of Stutsman.

Since Werner entered the league, he’s missed four or more games in his four years. However, in 2021 and 2023 he missed only two and one respectively. Staying on the field will be the most important element for Werner. If he can do that, he should have very few worries.

The other scenario is that Stutsman simply outperforms him throughout camp. It may not be that Werner performs poorly, but instead that the fourth-rounder from Oklahoma shows out in a big way independent of his teammate. However, with Werner’s experience, it would take a major overshadowing to upset the apple cart too much here.

I’m all-in on Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman. 👀

He’s the total package at LB and deserves far more recognition than he appears to be receiving.

His closing speed and pass rushing upside as a blitzer is obvious. But his coverage ability at 6’4” and 240 lbs. is really impressive. pic.twitter.com/TuQ5nhib9c

— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) February 21, 2025

Other linebackers like Nephi Sewell, Jaylan Ford and undrafted rookie Tyreem Powell could vie for opportunities as well, though most of their chances will come on special teams to start. Powell is one to watch to nab some playing time if he makes the roster, however. 

He wouldn’t pull from Werner’s time, though. Powell’s impressive reach and pass-rushing experience could make him a great standup linebacker off the edge that can either rush or drop into coverage while pass rushing threats like Chase Young and Carl Granderson line up on the opposite side of the field.

Prediction

Werner retains his starting and featured role on the inside of Staley’s defense. If he gives up ground due to injury, expect Stutsman’s energy, play style and leadership to make some noise. It would be reasonable to see both players carve out opportunities for themselves throughout the season as well, depending on game situation. Werner’s role could be challenged, but his roster spot isn’t in much danger.

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