Despite gaining trade interest last offseason, the New Orleans Saints have decided to rework the contract of LB Pete Werner this year. While it’s fair to wonder that the Saints are preparing to sign a free agent like Kenny Moore, the team might be done with Werner if he doesn’t improve this season. According to Katherine Terrell of ESPN on X, the team opens up $4 million in cap space, which allows the team to make a late move before the 2026 season.
The future of Pete Werner will lie in the hands of how he does this season, but the team brought back Kaden Eliss, and you can speculate that Werner might be phased out of this defensive unit sooner rather than later.
The team decided earlier this offseason that they’re moving on from DeMario Davis, who signed a new deal to reunite with the New York Jets. While Werner is still 26-years-old, you’d have to wonder if it’s worth keeping him once he turns 28 after the 2027 season. The linebacker is still serviceable, but not at the potential of what the Saints are looking for. In 2025, he recorded just two sacks and 50 solo tackles, with 31 of them being assisted.
Saints Latest Move Could Signal Major Blockbuster Pete Werner Trade
Meanwhile, the Saints have $8 million in cap space for the rest of the offseason. For Pete Werner, the stakes are high, but it shouldn’t be surprising if the Saints trade him during the 2026 campaign. The team also signed Anfernee Jennings to strengthen the depth behind Carl Granderson, but that could change if Werner is on the move. There are several teams out there always looking for a solid linebacker, especially in time for the postseason.
Here are three teams that could become interested at some point in the future.
Potential Landing Spots
Dallas Cowboys
The pass-rushing unit in Dallas was one of the worst last season since the trade of Micah Parsons. The team tried to save this defense, signing Jadeveon Clowney, trading for Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams for relief. However, it didn’t pan out for the rest of the year. The Cowboys now have a promising group entering the 2026 campaign. Dallas selected Jaishawn Barham while trading for Dee Winters in the NFL Draft.
They also traded for Rashan Gary in free agency after failing to get Maxx Crosby. There’s still room for Pete Werner if there is interest from the Cowboys. Dallas has had a hard time in recent memory, as the team can’t stay healthy. Werner is no superstar, but he could help in rotation.
Indianapolis Colts
Meanwhile, the Colts are in dire need of a solid linebacker. The team traded long-term LB Zaire Franklin while acquiring DT Colby Wooden from the Packers. The Colts have focused on improving the pass-rushing in the draft, selecting CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher. Allen might be ready, but it’s hard to envision what this group will look like before the 2026 season.
The team could add a temporary veteran LB, but Pete Werner could be a reliable defender who can help make tackles.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have had their fair share of issues last season, including the LB position. The team lost Leo Chenal to the Commanders on a three-year deal, but they traded up to select Jeffrey Bassa in the fifth round of this year’s draft. The Chiefs still have an issue at the position, which they could target Pete Werner if Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill are struggling.
They have depth in Cole Christiansen, who is listed as the starter, with Jack Cochrane sitting behind him. Why not get Werner in the mix? He has similar characteristics to Chenal, so you never know how good Werner can be, especially being a part of a championship roster.
