The New Orleans Saints and linebacker Pete Werner agreed to a three-year contract extension worth up to $25 million. The deal includes $17.5 million in guaranteed money and a $5.5 million signing bonus. Werner will be under contract until 2027.
The extension comes during the final year of the linebacker's rookie-scale contract. However, he doesn't have a fifth-year option because he was a second-round draft pick in 2021.
Saints LB Pete Werner signed a three-year contract extension worth over $25 million, including $17.5 million guaranteed, per sources. The deal ties Werner to the Saints through the 2027 season. pic.twitter.com/LdrOdyMmC3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 8, 2024
The former Ohio State linebacker had a solid 2023 season, establishing career-highs in tackles (93) and fumble recoveries (2). Werner also completed his first NFL interception and half-sack last year. Werner has 235 tackles and four pass deflections in three seasons with the Saints.
For 2024, the Saints listed Werner as their starting weak-side linebacker over Khaleke Hudson, Isaiah Stalbird, and the injured Nephi Sewell. A solid training camp could keep Werner among the defensive starters for Week 1, allowing him to line up alongside Demario Davis and Willie Gay Jr.
-Lance Fernandez