Feb. 28, 2026, 8:55 a.m. CT

Linebacker Danny Stutsman was the first of two fourth round picks by the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 NFL draft. A 2024 All-American and two-time All-Conference selection with the Oklahoma Sooners, Stutsman was the sixth linebacker off the board. He came to the NFL with a prototype build and throwback playing style.

Demario Davis remains the heart and soul of the Saints defense. However, New Orleans has had a hard time lining up an heir apparent for Davis or surrounding him with complementary talent at linebacker. In recent years, four different draft choices and a handful of free agent additions at the position failed to make a big difference. It was hoped that Stutsman could reverse that trend.

Danny Stutsman Year in ReviewPosition: LinebackerAge: 22Height: 6-feet, 3 inchesWeight: 233 poundsNFL experience: 1st year2025 season: 17 games

Coming into the draft, Stutsman was considered one of the top run defenders in his class. He had some issues in space and against the pass in college, but was viewed as a hard-hitting thumper with an excellent football IQ. He’d have a chance to learn and develop behind Davis and veteran Pete Werner.

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Over the first half of the year, Stutsman saw little defensive action. He had only 4 defensive snaps over the first five weeks and just 34 in the first eight games. As the second half of the year unfolded, Stutsman saw increased playing time and even took some snaps from the limited Werner in the last month of the year.

Stutsman played 170 defensive snaps over the second half of the year, including 91 in the last three weeks. He showed a good grasp of the defensive scheme and laid out thunderous hits on opposing ball carriers. Stutsman was also a regular on special teams, appearing in 281 snaps with those units.

Danny Stutsman had just 53 total tackles as a rookie, including none for negative yardage. His progress down the stretch, however, indicates that he is ready for a bigger role going forward. The Saints are predicted to add another linebacker in either free agency or the draft. With Demario Davis 37 and potentially a free agent and questions surrounding Pete Werner, more talent is needed here. However, Stutsman is expected to be a big part of the New Orleans linebacker unit for 2026 and beyond.