The New Orleans made a signing on Thursday, but maybe not the one you were expecting or hoping.
Linebacker Pete Werner has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Black and Gold. The deal will be worth over $25 million with $17.25 million guaranteed as Werner is now tied to the Saints up to the 2027 season. Adam Schefter broke the news on Thursday via X.
Werner is a former second-round pick for the Saints during the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State Buckeye has been a starting linebacker for the Saints since his rookie season and has improved his stats after every season.
In 2021, Werner recorded 62 tackles (36 solo) and 3.5 stuffs in 15 games. Then for his sophomore season, Werner improved to 80 tackles (56 solo), a couple of forced fumbles, three pass deflections, and eight stuffs in 12 games. And for last year, the Indianapolis native started in 16 out of 17 games, recording 93 tackles (60 solo), his first .5 sack, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and five stuffs.
Heading into his fourth season, Werner and the Saints look to make it to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season before Drew Brees retired. The linebacker group of Werner, Dermario Davis, and Willie Gay Jr. should be an improved unit compared to last year as the whole front seven of the Saints was disappointing.
The Black and Gold will play their first preseason game on Saturday, August 10th in Glendale, Arizona as they take on the Cardinals. Kickoff at State Farm Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.