PW #20

Pete Werner

Linebacker · Ohio State

A second-round pick out of Ohio State, Pete Werner has become one of the Saints' most durable defenders even as his role has evolved.

Pete Werner has been a fixture in New Orleans' front seven since arriving in 2021, known for his instincts and reliability more than his top-end athleticism. In 2025 he played every game for the first time in his career, even as younger, more explosive linebackers began pushing for his snaps.

★ Second-round pick, 2021 NFL Draft, out of Ohio State

★ Signed a three-year, $25 million contract extension with New Orleans

★ Played all 17 games for the first time in his career in 2025

Path to the league

Werner played linebacker at Ohio State before the New Orleans Saints selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He stepped into New Orleans' defense early and has remained with the franchise for his entire career to date.

Career highlights

Werner signed a three-year, $25 million extension with the Saints, cementing his place as a core piece of the linebacker corps. He has built a reputation as a dependable run defender and coverage piece across parts of six NFL seasons.

2025 season recap

Werner played all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his career in 2025, finishing with 81 tackles, 2.0 sacks and five passes defended. His snap share fluctuated late in the year as New Orleans leaned more on rookie Danny Stutsman and Isaiah Stalbird in passing situations, but Werner remained a full-time starter for most of the season.