New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner won't be heading into the final year of his contract after all.
The Saints inked Werner to a three-year contract extension worth more than $25 million with $17.5 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday, per a source informed of the deal.
Werner was set to play out the final year of his rookie contract. Now, he's locked in through the 2027 campaign.
The former second-round pick had a rollercoaster first three seasons but has shown flashes, particularly against the run. Werner's versatility in patrolling the middle or coming on blitzes provides head coach Dennis Allen's defense flexibility.
The up-and-down play led the Saints to add veteran Willie Gay Jr. this offseason as competition while challenging Werner to step his game up entering Year 4. The extension suggests the team likes what they've seen so far and takes one question mark off the table heading into the future.
