Pete Werner Bio
Pete Werner is an American professional football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 242 pounds, he plays the linebacker position and has been an active member of the Saints roster since 2021. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Saints in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Born on June 5, 1999, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Werner has developed into a reliable defensive presence in the middle of the Saints defense. He is recognized for his tackling ability and his role as a starting linebacker within the team’s defensive scheme.
Early Life and Background
Pete Werner grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and attended Cathedral High School, where he built the foundation that would carry him to a professional football career. Coming from a family with deep football ties, Werner was introduced to the sport at a young age and quickly developed into a highly regarded prospect in the state of Indiana.
His father, Greg Werner, played college football at DePauw University before spending two seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles. His older brother, Dan, played college football at Harvard, giving Pete a clear example of athletic and academic dedication within his own household.
At Cathedral High School, Werner emerged as one of the top linebackers in Indiana. During his senior season, he recorded 64 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks, and was named Class 6A All-State. His performance drew attention from programs across the country, establishing him as a priority recruit.
Path to American Football
Werner’s recruitment attracted offers from Duke, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and Wisconsin. He initially committed to play college football at Notre Dame at the end of his junior year, signaling his status as one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in his class.
During his senior season at Cathedral, Werner decided to de-commit from Notre Dame and re-open his recruitment. After weighing his options, he chose to attend Ohio State, a program known for producing top-tier defensive talent and competing at the highest level of college football.
His path from Indianapolis to one of the most prestigious college football programs reflected both his on-field production and his long-term potential as an NFL linebacker prospect. The decision to join the Buckeyes set the stage for his development at the national level.
Pete Werner Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Werner joined the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2017 and quickly adjusted to the speed and physicality of Big Ten Conference play. As a true freshman, he recorded nine tackles, showing early signs of the work ethic that would define his college career.
In his sophomore season, he posted 58 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles, earning a larger role in the Buckeyes defense. As a junior, Werner recorded 64 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and three passes broken up, and he was named honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference. His final college season culminated in a First-team All-Big Ten selection in 2020, confirming his status as one of the top linebackers in the conference.
NFL Breakthrough (2021–2023)
The New Orleans Saints selected Werner in the second round, 60th overall, of the 2021 NFL draft, making him the sixth linebacker taken in that year’s draft. On June 8, 2021, the Saints signed him to a four-year, $5.64 million contract that included $2.41 million in guaranteed money and a signing bonus of $1.49 million.
Werner entered training camp competing against second-year veteran Zack Baun for the starting weakside linebacker role. Head coach Sean Payton ultimately named Werner the primary backup weakside linebacker after the Saints signed Kwon Alexander to become the starter. On September 9, 2021, Werner made his professional regular-season debut, appearing on special teams during the Saints’ 38-3 home-opening victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Werner continued to develop and earn a larger role in the Saints defense over his first three NFL seasons, working toward a consistent starting position. On January 1, 2022, he received a $5,472 fine from the NFL for a horse-collar tackle on Miami Dolphins running back Duke Johnson.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024–Present)
On August 8, 2024, the New Orleans Saints signed Werner to a three-year, $22.50 million contract extension that included $17.43 million in total guarantees, $11.18 million guaranteed upon signing, and a signing bonus of $5.50 million. The extension reflected the organization’s confidence in his continued growth as a core member of the linebacker group.
Entering the 2024 season and beyond, Werner has continued to build on his role within the Saints defense, providing tackling, run support, and coverage responsibilities. His progression from a special teams contributor in 2021 to a key defensive piece illustrates his steady development in the NFL.
Through the 2025 season, Werner has continued to log significant defensive snaps for New Orleans, reinforcing his value to the team’s front seven.
Driving Style and Strengths
Werner is known for his physical tackling, his ability to read and react to run plays, and his disciplined approach in pass coverage. His size and strength allow him to take on blockers at the point of attack, while his football intelligence helps him diagnose plays quickly. He has become a steady presence alongside the rest of the Saints linebacker corps.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Werner’s signature moments is his 2021 NFL draft selection in the second round, his 2020 First-team All-Big Ten recognition, and his 2024 contract extension with the Saints. These milestones highlight his transition from a top Indiana high school prospect to a long-term NFL starter.
Pete Werner Career Stats
Pete Werner has built his professional résumé primarily with the New Orleans Saints since being drafted in 2021. His career statistics reflect his role as a linebacker who contributes across multiple defensive categories, including tackles, sacks, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, pass deflections, and interceptions.
New Orleans Saints Highlights
As of the 2025 NFL season, Werner has recorded 408 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 10 pass deflections, and 1 interception during his Saints career. He has grown from a 2021 special teams contributor into a regular defensive starter.
His most recent contract extension in 2024 underscored his importance to the Saints’ defensive plans for the coming seasons.
Other Performances
At the college level, Werner earned First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020 and honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition the previous season, establishing himself as one of the conference’s top linebackers during his time at Ohio State.
Pete Werner Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Football runs deep in the Werner family. Pete Werner’s father, Greg Werner, played college football at DePauw University and then spent two seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles. His older brother, Dan, played college football at Harvard, continuing the family’s tradition of competing at high-level programs.
Personal Life
Werner was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, where his football journey began at Cathedral High School. His upbringing in a football-oriented family shaped his path to the NFL, and he continues to be recognized as part of a notable football family in the state of Indiana.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Pete Werner remained a key part of the New Orleans Saints defense following his 2024 contract extension. His role within the linebacker group has continued to expand, with Werner logging extensive defensive snaps and contributing across tackling, coverage, and run defense categories.
His career totals of 408 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 10 pass deflections, and 1 interception reflect a linebacker who has remained healthy and productive. The Saints’ defensive scheme continues to rely on his instincts and physicality in the middle of the field.
Looking ahead, Werner’s long-term contract positions him as a foundational piece of the Saints’ defense through the 2027 season, and his continued development will be a storyline to watch in New Orleans.
