Danny Stutsman

Career StatsC-

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		17	53	—	—
2025		17	53	0.0	0

Updated Jun 24, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Salary-cap math on Danny Stutsman's contract works out to a C+ Contract Value Index given the dead-cap exposure and term. At $1.3M annually across four years, the rookie linebacker deal sits in the sweet spot for developmental talent—low enough that even modest production doesn't create cap regret, structured in a way that allows the Saints flexibility if he doesn't pan out. His 2025 season posted 53 tackles across 17 games, solid foundational work for a first-year linebacker learning a complex scheme, though the absence of splash plays (zero sacks, forced fumbles, or interceptions) keeps this from being an obvious bargain. The Contract Value Index reflects what he is: a young linebacker with genuine physical tools and positive organizational confidence, backed by recent media framing that emphasizes growth trajectory over immediate statistical impact. New Orleans has been active reshaping the roster—adding linebacker depth with Jackson Sirmon, signing defensive contributors like DT Christen Miller, and cycling secondary options—a pattern suggesting the front office is building incrementally rather than betting on any single young piece. Stutsman enters year two with the "opportunity of a lifetime" narrative in place, meaning the Saints are patient with his development arc, and at $1.3M the risk-reward tilts solidly in the organization's favor.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Danny's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Danny Stutsman, a rookie linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, has delivered a mixed early professional debut through 17 games. The 23-year-old is posting above-average tackle production at 3.12 per game versus the NFL average of 2.19, suggesting he's found the ball consistently in his first season. However, his overall C-minus grade reflects concerns beyond volume statistics that warrant careful developmental monitoring. Stutsman's tackle accumulation is genuinely encouraging for a rookie, outpacing the positional baseline and indicating active deployment and football intelligence in coverage. His weakness surfaces in tackling for loss, where he's averaging just 0.21 per game against an NFL average of 0.27, a shortfall that hints at limited disruptive impact and gap discipline. For a young linebacker, the inability to generate consistent negative plays suggests he's still processing pre-snap reads and may lack the explosive closing speed or lateral range elite defenders possess. The trajectory through his rookie campaign deserves optimism tempered with realism. Stutsman has the foundational instincts to develop into a league-average starter, though reaching the elite tier—where 0.75 tackles for loss per game becomes standard—will require measurable improvements in backfield penetration and play recognition. Watch for growth in his film study and physical conditioning heading into year two; significant gains in TFL production would signal genuine developmental progress and raise his ceiling considerably.

How Danny Compares at the Position

Danny Stutsman ranks 196th of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Danny between Brandon George (C-) just ahead and D'marco Jackson (C-) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Danny Stutsman enters the 2026 season as a promising young linebacker still establishing his NFL identity after a 2025 rookie campaign that generated modest but encouraging media attention. Coverage has centered on his developmental trajectory and individual plays—notably a highlight-reel stonewall against De'Von Achane—rather than statistical dominance or Pro Bowl consideration, reflecting his status as an emerging depth piece. The Saints' organizational messaging frames him as a player with 'next steps' ahead, suggesting the team views him as a long-term project with upside rather than an immediate impact starter. Media perception remains cautiously optimistic without hyperbole; analysts acknowledge his potential while tempering expectations typical of a sub-$2M rookie linebacker with zero career sacks or forced turnovers. Heading into 2026, Stutsman's reputation hinges entirely on whether he can translate flashes of competence into consistent production and expanded playing time.