5 new NFC South players the Panthers should worry about in 2021
By Dean Jones
Pete Werner – LB
The New Orleans Saints were right up against it this offseason. They were reeling from the retirement of Drew Brees and didn’t have much in the way of financial resources to strengthen their roster, which looks far different from the one that got bounced out of the 2020 playoffs early once again.
Sean Payton is under a little bit of pressure for the first time in his career, so hanging his hat on Jameis Winston is a big gamble that is clearly a feast or famine proposition judging by what we’ve witnessed from the former No. 1 overall selection so far.
Some big sacrifices were made to the roster in order for the Saints to comply with a reduced salary cap, which came at the worst possible time for New Orleans. This might lead them to throw rookie linebacker Pete Werner in at the deep end right from the word go, which is something that he appears more than ready for.
The former Ohio State standout was taken at No. 60 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. This was a pick that was reportedly going to be Terrace Marshall Jr. before the Carolina Panthers got hold of their plans and reacted accordingly.
Werner progressed with every passing year with the Buckeyes. Although his final season was disrupted by COVID-19, the Saints saw enough in the player to think he might be able to make an immediate impression.