New Orleans Saints continue working salary cap magic with latest deal for linebacker Pete Werner
The New Orleans Saints are known for one massive aspect of their franchise. They maneuver the salary cap in a unique way that make NFL fans throw their hands in the air on an annual basis. Not many folks understand the way they do business. The Saints extended an important piece of their defense earlier […]
The New Orleans Saints are known for one massive aspect of their franchise. They maneuver the salary cap in a unique way that make NFL fans throw their hands in the air on an annual basis. Not many folks understand the way they do business.
The Saints extended an important piece of their defense earlier this week. Pete Werner received the first new contract of his NFL career. He deserved it, too. Now, the Saints don't have to worry about that task after the season.
Werner was set to be a free agent following the 2024 season.
Pete Werner's new contract details with Saints
- 3 year extension (28-30 VOIDS)
- New 2024 cap number is $2.908M, up from $1.808M
- $5.5M signing bonus
- $7.5M APY
- Max APY of $8.2M
- $17.5M guaranteed ($6.25M guaranteed for injury)
- via Katherine Terrell
Check out that first line again. The Saints have three void years on his deal, as they push one down the line – once again. This practice has become a norm for New Orleans and many teams around the league.
They are able to push a portion of Werner's money down the road, even if he is no longer with the organization. It can come back to bite in that case, but with salary cap growth, you can afford a portion of those payments in the long-term.
Werner has been an elite force in run defense at the linebacker spot. He's meshed well with Dennis Allen's scheme, and the front office has taken notice, clearly.
After Werner's extension, the Saints have $10.7 million in cap space.
That figure is according to OverTheCap. The Saints lock down a key defender for an affordable price to accompany Demario Davis going forward. Willie Gay Jr. was a notable LB addition this offseason, too. The trio is an impressive one for 2024.
