Saints' LB Pete Werner could be playing his final season in New Orleans

It seems like just yesterday that the New Orleans Saints gave their linebacker Pete Werner a three-year contract extension. However, sooner than he probably would've liked, his time might be up soon in the Crescent City.

For better or for worse, Werner is stuck with the Saints due to his contract. If he's cut or traded this year, it would only save the team $1.2 million. It's not until 2027 that the real savings become a possibility, with the Saints able to save $6.5 million against the cap if he's traded then.

This year is also the last in which Werner has a guaranteed salary, which really emphasizes the doom and gloom. That, combined with his liability in space, opens the door for others to take his LB2 spot. If he doesn't start to pick up or spice up his game a little bit, then he'll let the younger linebackers on the team pass him by.

Saints’ LB Pete Werner’s reason for leaving might already be on the team

Players such as Jaylon Ford, Isaiah Stalbird, and Danny Stutsman are the three main threats to Werner's spot on the roster at the moment. All younger than him, they're all players who the Saints are reportedly high on. Stutsman, especially.

A fan favorite, the former Oklahoma Sooner passes the eye test on the field in ways that Werner hasn't. Per CBS Sports Josh Edwards, he might even have the highest ceiling in the room. "He's an incredibly talented player," Edwards said to Matt Moscona on After Further Review. "His instincts at the position needed to develop a bit more, and he is somebody that I think could lead to turnover-worthy plays. He would be one I'd watch in terms of how he grows this offseason."

Edwards mentions turnover-worthy plays, yet Werner has had at least a couple of turnovers in each season since 2022. Last year, Stutsman, Ford, and Stalbird had zero. Maybe if Werner can hone in on that part of his game, then he'll play for the team beyond the '26 season. He has to do something, because all signs have been pointing to him playing elsewhere in 12 months.

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This article was originally published on whodatdish.com as Saints' LB Pete Werner could be playing his final season in New Orleans.