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Will Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe restructured his contract Wednesday, a move to ensure that he'll remain on the Saints for the upcoming 2016 season. Ellerbe, who was on the cusp of getting his $4.1 million guaranteed on Wednesday, restructured his deal in the wake of fellow linebackers David Hawthorne and Ramon Humber being cut.
Ellerbe played only 6 games in 2015, but fans were impressed with his tenacity. In his games, Ellerbe recorded 39 tackles and a fumble recovery.
This move does not, however, ensure that the Saint won't go for a linebacker in the early rounds of the draft, as depth becomes especially important behind an injury prone Ellerbe, who has never played a full 16 game season and has played only 7 games in the last two years.
Upon the acquisition of Ellerbe (and a third round pick that turned into PJ Williams, who was IRed before the season started) for Kenny Stills, Ellerbe took a paycut from $6.5 million due this year to the $4.1 million. This move is mutually beneficial, as it gives the Saints a starting caliber WLB going into the season and it gives Ellerbe a job. This article will be updated once the details of the restructure become available.