Dannell Ellerbe Restructures Contract; Was Due $5.2 Million In 2016

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.