There is no more prominent battle at New Orleans Saints training camp than that between linebackers Willie Gay Jr. versus Pete Werner. The two will fight it out for who joins Demario Davis on the field in nickel packages. As we transition into spotlighting the defensive battles, it becomes clearer the stakes are higher on this side of the ball. All the defensive battles are for starting positions, while most of the competition on offense is about setting the depth chart.
Gay came to New Orleans as a free agent this offseason and was quickly slotted in as the favorite to win this battle for some. Werner is coming off a down year and so is Gay. His struggles were in Kansas City, though, so Gay still gets the new kid on the block treatment. He’s also eager to prove his struggles are more tied to lack of usage than ability.
The most eye-popping difference between the two linebackers is the speed Gay brings to the position. The Saints defense lacked this element in 2023. Werner may have experienced some struggles last year, but he’s been pretty steady throughout his career. He isn’t a big-time playmaker but he has been a solid player for most of his career. That could be just what the Saints need next to Davis given Werner’s inconsistencies.
When the pads come on, pay close attention to this battle at training camp.
