sports

Stutsman Reflects on Rookie Year with Saints

New Orleans Saints linebacker Danny Stutsman reflected on his rookie season, adapting to the city's culture, and preparing to compete for a starting job in his second year.

Stutsman, who split reps with Pete Werner last season, is now preparing to compete for a full-time starting role following the signing of Kaden Elliss to replace Demario Davis. The Oklahoma native shared his initial surprise at New Orleans' unique culture, noting how different it was from college towns like Oklahoma or Texas.

Before the 2026 NFL Draft, Stutsman trained with former NFL coach Jon Gruden, which helped him understand professional expectations and connect with teammates like Foster Moreau. With one year of experience, Stutsman now looks to set an example for the next rookie class as he continues his development with the Saints.