When the New Orleans Saints were getting ready to enter the 2016 season, they thought the Linebacking Corps could present itself to be one of the strengths of the team. Second-year player Stephone Anthony would be able to shift outside to strong-side linebacker. Dannell Ellerbe, who had shown signs of great productivity, would be pencilled in on the weak side. Free agent signee and notable football mind James Laurinaitis would anchor the group in the middle and take play-calling duties away from Anthony.
Then Anthony took massive steps backward and was benched.