Danny Stutsman is due for a bigger role in 2026. He was one of the more frequently discussed draft picks from the New Orleans Saints' 2025 draft class, but that wasn’t true by the end of the season. Going into next season, Stutsman should be in line for a training camp battle with Pete Werner.
Stutsman having to build his way to a role isn't very surprising. The Saints clearly had their starting linebackers for 2025, so Stutsman's Year 1 impact was always limited. Both Demario Davis and Werner played all 17 games. Still, Stutsman found his way to the field.
In Year 2, the ceiling is much higher. Stutsman has had a year to develop in Brandon Staley's defense. Werner recently saw his contract be restructured, but full security alludes Werner due to the young player breathing down his neck. If Stutsman can crack the lineup, he will have a chance to show why he was an immediate fan favorite after the draft.Â
Pete Werner should have to compete for his job in 2026
When Stutsman was drafted, there were two schools of thought. He was picked to be Davis' heir apparent, and the other thought was he'd be Werner's replacement. At the time, the latter seemed like the most immediate route to the field, and Stutsman's usage last year reinforced that belief.
Then, Davis unexpectedly left in free agency this offseason. Many fans expected him to remain a Saint until he retired, and that won't be for a couple more years. That opened the door for Stutsman to take on that role, but the door was quickly slammed by the signing of Kaden Elliss. Back to Stutsman taking Werner's job.
There's no reason for there to not at least be a competition for the second starting linebacker spot next to Elliss. In his rookie year, Stutsman had a rotational role. He'd step in for Werner on certain drives. He wasn't a fourth pick for nothing. The idea was for Stutsman to become a contributor soon.
In limited action, Stutsman showed the ability to run and hit, and he showed more power upon contact than Werner. It's much more than that to playing linebacker, but it's a start. The second year linebacker didn't show enough to demand a starting role next year, but he did show enough to warrant a competition.
Werner has been solid but never great throughout his season. Even more so than Stutsman showing some flashes, the veteran hasn't done enough to shut down a competition. The Saints could improve at linebacker, and a competition will prove whether or not Stutsman is an improvement or if Werner can step up his play.
One name that shouldn't be left off is Isaiah Stalbird. He was primarily a third down linebacker. His smaller frame makes him best suited in pass coverage. If there's going to be a competition, it would be wise to gather information on if Stalbird has potential as an every down backer, or if he truly is a situational player.
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