Get to know newly-signed New Orleans Saints linebacker Willie Gay Jr.

So how will he fit in? Gay could serve as the team’s starting strong side linebacker, which is the role Zach Baun was playing before he became a free agent this offseason. However, Gay will have an opportunity to engage in some competition with linebacker Pete Werner in the starting lineup next to Demario Davis. Werner’s inconsistencies have given this more thought than it maybe should have but the athleticism and ability in coverage makes Gay appealing as a coverage player.

It’s very possible for Gay to take some snaps in the Saints nickel packages specifically, in obvious passing situations. Aside from that, we should see him a bit on early downs when the team is in their base defense. This is where we should see an upgrade in terms of the team’s previous options at that spot last season.