New Orleans Saints make surprising decision with key defensive player before preseason begins
There's a waiting game going on with the New Orleans Saints right now. As their first preseason game looms, will they add star safety Justin Simmons from free agency? The veteran defensive back visited the team and had dinner with Saints brass on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, that same brass inked one of their key […]
There's a waiting game going on with the New Orleans Saints right now. As their first preseason game looms, will they add star safety Justin Simmons from free agency?
The veteran defensive back visited the team and had dinner with Saints brass on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, that same brass inked one of their key defensive pieces to a there-year extension.
Saints extend linebacker Pete Werner
It is a three-year extension for the former Ohio State star on defense. Werner has become a notable chess piece for Dennis Allen with his impressive versatility and athleticism.
He was banged up in 2023, but he still started sixteen contests for the Saints. Werner has made legitimate strides so far in his pro career. The Saints had seen enough, so they've locked him down.
Contract details
- 3-year deal worth over $25 million with $17.5M guaranteed
In three seasons, he has appeared in 43 games with 35 starts, recording 231 tackles (151 solo), a split sack, one interception, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three special teams stops. — Saints team website
Werner will remain a sustained defender for New Orleans, even with the offseason addition of Willie Gay Jr. at linebacker. The entire linebacker group has received tons of praise during practice at training camp. They have impressed.
The trio of Werner, Gay, and Demario Davis should wreak havoc in 2024 for the Saints.
It will be intriguing to see if they give Gay a new deal after this season as well. Paying three linebackers on an extension does not happen rather often around the league.
Only time will tell, though. It's a telling move for how much confidence the Saints have in Werner going forward.
The Saints already have a couple of advantages over other NFL teams trying to sign star safety Justin Simmons
They must make it happen now.
