Pete Werner Bio
Pete Werner is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 5, 1999, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Werner emerged as a standout defender during his college career at Ohio State University before the Saints selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Werner has developed into a key contributor for New Orleans, accumulating over 400 career tackles through his first four professional seasons. His consistent performance earned him a lucrative contract extension in August 2024, reflecting the franchise’s confidence in his long-term potential.
Early Life and Background
Pete Werner grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Cathedral High School. Werner initially committed to play college football at the University of Notre Dame during his junior year, choosing the Fighting Irish over numerous major-program offers including Duke, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and Wisconsin. As a senior at Cathedral High School, Werner recorded 64 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and eight sacks on his way to earning Class 6A All-State honors.
Werner made a significant decision during his senior season by de-committing from Notre Dame and re-opening his recruitment. After exploring his options, he ultimately chose to attend Ohio State University, setting the stage for his collegiate career with the Buckeyes.
Path to the NFL
Werner joined the Ohio State Buckeyes football program in 2017 and immediately began his development as a collegiate defender. As a true freshman, he recorded nine tackles while adjusting to the speed and physical demands of Big Ten competition. His sophomore season in 2019 marked a breakout campaign, as Werner accumulated 58 tackles including 7.5 tackles for loss and forced two fumbles while becoming a more vocal leader in the defensive unit.
His junior season in 2020 proved to be his most accomplished year at Ohio State. Werner recorded 64 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, recovered two fumbles, and broke up three passes. His stellar play earned him First-team All-Big Ten Conference honors, validating his status as one of the premier linebackers in the conference. Following the conclusion of his junior season, Werner declared for the 2021 NFL Draft after three years with the Buckeyes.
Pete Werner Career
2021 Rookie Season
The New Orleans Saints selected Pete Werner in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 60th overall pick, making him the sixth linebacker drafted that year. On June 8, 2021, he signed a four-year contract worth $5.64 million that included $2.41 million guaranteed and a $1.49 million signing bonus. Werner entered training camp competing against second-year player Zack Baun for the starting weakside linebacker position. After the Saints signed veteran Kwon Alexander to serve as the starter, Werner was named the primary backup at the weakside linebacker spot.
Werner made his professional regular season debut on September 9, 2021, appearing on special teams during the Saints’ 38-3 home-opening victory over the Green Bay Packers. His rookie campaign provided valuable learning experiences as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of professional football while contributing primarily on special teams units.
2022–2023 Development
Werner continued his development throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, gradually increasing his responsibilities within the Saints’ defensive scheme. He appeared in every game over these two seasons, steadily building his tackling total and establishing himself as a reliable presence in the middle of the defense. His ability to diagnose plays and contribute in both run defense and pass coverage became increasingly evident as his role expanded.
Throughout his first three seasons, Werner showcased his physical style of play while learning the nuances of professional linebacker play under experienced defensive coordinators. He became known for his tackling ability and his willingness to contribute on special teams, qualities that kept him on the field in various situations.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024–Present)
On August 8, 2024, the New Orleans Saints demonstrated their commitment to Werner by signing him to a three-year contract extension worth $22.50 million, with $17.43 million guaranteed and $11.18 million guaranteed upon signing. The contract also included a $5.50 million signing bonus, reflecting the organization’s belief in his continued growth and importance to the team’s defensive future.
Through his first four professional seasons, Werner has established himself as a durable and productive defender, accumulating 408 career tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 10 pass deflections, and one interception. His consistency and availability have made him a reliable building block for the Saints’ defense as the team works to return to playoff contention.
Playing Style and Strengths
Werner plays the linebacker position with physicality and intelligence. His listed height of 6 feet 3 inches and weight of 242 pounds give him the size to handle running backs and tight ends in thebox while maintaining enough speed to cover receivers in space. His tackling technique and willingness to engage in the action have made him a core special teams performer throughout his career. Werner reads offensive formations quickly, allowing him to diagnose plays and close on ball carriers with efficiency.
Notable Events and Milestones
Werner’s rookie season included a notable disciplinary moment when he received a $5,472 fine from the NFL on January 1, 2022, for a horse-collar tackle on Miami Dolphins running back Duke Johnson during a game. Beyond that incident, his career has been defined by steady improvement and consistent production. The three-year extension he signed in August 2024 stands as the most significant milestone of his career thus far, validating his development from a backup role to a foundational piece of the Saints’ defense.
Pete Werner Career Wins
Through four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Werner has emerged as one of the most productive defensive players at his position in franchise history. His 408 career tackles rank among the highest totals for a Saints linebacker through his first four professional seasons. While individual defensive statistics do not determine wins in the traditional sense, Werner’s consistent contributions have helped anchor a defense that has remained competitive throughout his tenure.
Defensive Highlights
Werner’s most notable statistical achievement through his career is his 408 total tackles, demonstrating his reliability and durability as a professional defender. He has recorded 2.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and recovered five fumbles, showcasing his ability to impact games in multiple ways beyond his primary tackling duties. His 10 career pass deflections indicate his awareness in pass coverage, while his single interception represents his growth in reading quarterbacks and making plays on the ball.
Special Teams Contributions
Throughout his career, Werner has been a consistent contributor on special teams units. His debut game against the Green Bay Packers featured immediate special teams action, establishing a role that has remained constant throughout his development. Special teams contributions often prove decisive in close games, and Werner’s willingness to excel in these situations reflects his team-first mentality.
| Season | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Fumble Recoveries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–2024 Career Total | 408 | 2.5 | 2 | 5 |
Pete Werner Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Pete Werner comes from a distinguished football family. His father, Greg Werner, played college football at DePauw University before enjoying a two-season NFL career with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles. This family background provided Pete with football knowledge and mentorship from an early age, helping shape his development as a player. The Werner family’s connection to football extends to Pete’s older brother Dan, who played college football at Harvard University, representing another branch of the family’s athletic legacy.
Personal Life
Pete Werner continues to represent the Saints as of the 2025 season. His Indianapolis roots remain significant in his identity, having attended Cathedral High School in his hometown before embarking on his college and professional career. His journey from Cathedral High School to Ohio State and ultimately to the NFL represents a consistent upward trajectory built on talent, work ethic, and family support.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Pete Werner enters his fifth professional season with the New Orleans Saints following his lucrative contract extension in August 2024. The three-year deal represents the organization’s belief that Werner will continue developing into an even more impactful defender as he enters the prime years of his career. His continued presence in the middle of the Saints’ defense provides stability and leadership for what the team hopes will be a championship-caliber roster.
Werner’s career trajectory suggests he will continue accumulating statistics and expanding his role within the defensive scheme. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ positions him well for sustained success in the NFL. As the Saints pursue their playoff ambitions, Werner figures to be a central figure in their defensive plans, with his tackling ability and durability serving as valuable assets for a franchise seeking to return to championship contention.
The Werner family football legacy continues with Pete representing the latest generation of talented defenders. With his father’s NFL experience and his own proven professional track record, Pete Werner has established himself as a legitimate NFL linebacker with significant contributions ahead of him in his career.