New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner entered the 2026 season with a bigger role potentially waiting for him.
For the first time in his career, Werner is playing without Demario Davis beside him. After spending years alongside one of the most important leaders on the Saints’ defense, Werner now has an opportunity to establish himself as one of the veteran leaders of the unit alongside Kaden Elliss.
Through two games, he is making the most of that opportunity.
Werner delivered an impressive performance
in Sunday’s 24-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens, finishing with team-high 11 total tackles, including eight solo tackles. He also recorded a sack, three total pressures, a tackle for loss and a defensive stop.
His impact as a pass rusher was particularly encouraging, as he earned a 79.6 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus.
Werner’s performance came at an important time for New Orleans. The Saints trailed 14-3 at one point during the game, but the defense settled down and played a major role in helping complete the comeback. Baltimore managed just three points after halftime as New Orleans flipped the game.
Werner was consistently around the football throughout the afternoon. Much like he was in the season opener agains the Detroit Lions.
So far, he has shown that he is capable of taking on the increased responsibility. His ability to contribute against the run while also making an impact as a pass rusher gives New Orleans another versatile piece to build around.
It is still early, but Werner is off to a strong start in his sixth season and looks to be drifting away from the inconsistency that plagued the early years of his career.
The Saints may no longer have his mentor beside him, but Werner is showing that he is ready for breakout season.
