Former Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman could have the opportunity of a lifetime in 2026 with the Saints
The former Sooners LB is one of the most talented in the league.
This last season, the Oklahoma Sooners didn’t necessarily miss Danny Stutsman on the field. They had the best defense in the country, and Kip Lewis was great as the “new Stutsman.”
However, it would be wrong to say the media and fans don’t see him in Crimson and Cream. It would be a bit different if he played more in the NFL, but fans aren’t getting to see him play football nearly as much as they were before. Stutsman has only played 204 snaps so far in his NFL career, and that’s not because he is bad. It feels like every time he gets on the field, Stutsman makes a play for the New Orleans Saints.
Stutsman hasn’t been on the field enough because he has had one of the best linebackers of this era in front of him in Demario Davis. That’s something that could change, though, with some recent NFL news. In other words, Sooners fans could start to get a better look at Stutsman in his NFL career. A to Z Sports New Orleans beat writer Adam Holt broke down what’s going on right now in NOLA with Davis and Stutsman.
Former Sooners LB Danny Stutsman could be a Saints starter in
If Demario Davis heads elsewhere in free agency, it’ll shake the Saints fan base to its core, assuredly. They’ve learned to love him as the unit’s leader for nearly a decade, and he is also a fantastic human off the field. With that, other guys will have to step up in many ways.
Former Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman is absolutely a candidate for a larger role in 2026. As a rookie, he saw his defensive snaps continually increase from season’s start to finish. By the final few games, he was a pivotal piece of New Orleans’ run defense and flashed in coverage on check-downs. While there is still plenty of room to grow for him, Stutsman showed the aspects that Sooner fans loved him for at OU. He plays with his hair on fire and runs with a constant motor. The Saints never had to worry about his effort on a play, and they may see more of him next season alongside veteran LB Pete Werner.
Depending on Davis’ free agency decision, the Saints could look to improve the upside and depth at the position in FA or the draft, but I would expect them to lean on Stutsman more often regardless in his sophomore campaign.
Oklahoma Sooners News
Oklahoma Sooners recruiting staff took a visit to their potential future quarterback at the perfect time
Oklahoma loves Jameson Roberts.
