The New Orleans Saints have restructured linebacker Dannell Ellerbe's contract, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. The Saints linebacker was scheduled to make $5.2 million this upcoming season, and his restructured contract is unknown at this time.
The Saints decided to move on from linebackers David Hawthorne and Ramon Humber earlier this week, and are clearly looking to make changes on the defensive side of the ball. They gave up the most points in the NFL last season, and general manager Mickey Loomis is already making moves to the roster before free agency begins in March.
Ellerbe struggled to stay healthy this past season and only played in six games, as he dealt with hip and toe injuries. The Saints likely believe the seven-year NFL linebacker can still be an impact player in this league, as he was able to record 39 tackles and forced a fumble in limited time on the field this past season.
Ellerbe was a highly sought player after he helped lead the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl victory, but has since struggled to stay healthy and produce those same numbers. He record 92 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles on the Ravens' 2012 Super Bowl roster, and the Saints' front office is hoping he can produce those numbers or close to them in 2016.
New Orleans finished the 2015 regular season in third place in the NFC South division with a 7-9 record, and as of this past week have yet to start negotiations with franchise quarterback Drew Brees. About $10 million of Brees' $19.75 million base salary became guaranteed this week, and the organization would need to extend his contract in order to move some of that cap burden, according to Evan Woodberry of the Times-Picayune.
The Saints finished the year looking up at both the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers in their division, and are looking to build a team that will be able to compete on both sides of the ball next season.
