Galette made four tackles (three solo) and recorded his first sack of the season in the Saints' loss to the Browns on Sunday.

Galette also recorded four tackles in the season opener against the Falcons, which is a good start to the year considering he managed only 40 tackles all of last year. If Galette can continue to post even modest tackle numbers, he could be a huge asset to IDP owners given his ability to rush the passer.

Galette inked a four-year, $41.5 million extension with the Saints on Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The contract includes $23 million guaranteed, which is impressive considering Galette is primarily a pass rusher and is rarely involved in tackles. Last year, he notched 12 sacks and 40 tackles (28 solo), making him a tough guy to own in IDP formats.

Galette made two tackles and a sack in Friday's preseason game against the Titans.

Galette has drawn rave reviews in training camp, and he appears primed to build off his breakout campaign in 2013, in which he managed an impressive 12 sacks - good for sixth in the league - as an outside linebacker in the Saints' 3-4 defense. While he made only 40 tackles last season, a low total for a linebacker in IDP leagues, he's an elite pass rusher off the edge, making him a boom-or-bust option for fantasy owners.

The Saints are considering scaling back OLB Junior Galette's snaps this season.

It's not a punishment for Galette, who broke out with 12 sacks and graded out as PFF's No. 13 3-4 OLB last season. It stems from a desire to keep a player who doesn't have the greatest stamina fresher. IDP owners in sack-heavy formats shouldn't be concerned.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports the Saints believe OLB Junior Galette "has the potential to be their best pass rusher."

Galette has been a full-time starter with Victor Butler (ACL surgery, active/PUP) likely out for the season and has major breakout potential as he transitions to stand-up edge rusher in Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense. "Junior's really come into his own," Ryan said. "Obviously I came in a perfect situation, to come in when this young man's just finally hitting his stride. I think this guy's gonna be excellent."

Saints OLB Junior Galette practiced on both the weak and strong sides during spring practices.

Galette was originally expected to compete with converted DE Will Smith for the "Jack" linebacker spot, but Victor Butler's season-ending knee injury changed that. He now has a good shot to slide in on the strong side as well. Either way, the Saints are desperate to find some pass rush anywhere, and that's Galette's specialty. He has 9.5 sacks in just 729 snaps over the last two seasons.

Junior Galette is expected to be the Saints' starting weak-outside linebacker in Rob Ryan's new 3-4 defense.

Manned by DeMarcus Ware in Dallas and Aldon Smith in San Francisco, the weak side is the primary pass-rushing position in a 3-4 scheme. Galette should have little trouble holding off converted DE Will Smith to start. Galette has 9.5 sacks across the past two seasons, but could flirt with double digits in 2013.

Saints re-signed OLB Junior Galette to a three-year contract.

Galette is viewed internally as a likely starter at rush 'backer in new coordinator Rob Ryan's 3-4. 25 years old and built to rush from a two-point stance at 6-foot-2, 258, Galette posted a career-high five sacks in 2012, operating mostly as a nickel end. He now has a chance to be an every-down player. The Saints' other OLB position will be up for grabs, with Martez Wilson as the leading in-house candidate. Victor Butler would be an intriguing free-agent pickup.

Saints designated DE Junior Galette and C Brian De La Puente for the $2.023 million tender.

Other teams can make offers on either player, but the Saints would have the right of first refusal and would receive a second-round pick if either player were to leave. De La Puente graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 2 center last season, and Galette figures to be an edge rusher in the Saints' new 3-4 scheme. The tenders leave the Saints about $6 million over the cap. That means more moves have to come before Tuesday and veterans Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma and Roman Harper are candidates for restructure or release.

Saints DE/OLB Junior Galette says he is "very excited" about the team's switch to a 3-4 defense under Rob Ryan.

"Any transition (to outside linebacker) I would have to make would be smooth," Galette said. "God blessed me with the ability to move around, and I would be blessed to make that transition." Galette managed five sacks while playing just 26 percent of the snaps last season. He's viewed as one of the cornerstones to build on.

Saints DE Junior Galette exited Monday night's game against the Eagles with an ankle injury and is questionable to return.

Galette was injured in the first quarter. He has registered four sacks as part of the rotation behind Will Smith and Cameron Jordan this season.

Junior Galette is expected to open the season as the Saints' starting right end, during Will Smith's four-game suspension.

With Smith sidelined, Galette is New Orleans' only legit edge rusher. Galette quietly racked up 4.5 sacks in an extremely limited role last year, and put some heat on Blaine Gabbert in Friday's preseason game. ESPN's Pat Yasinskas expects Galette to be a "regular" in the rotation even when Smith returns.

Rookie DE Junior Galette has reportedly "turned heads" in training camp with his speed and disruptive game in Saints camp.

Galette went undrafted out of Stillman due to off-field issues, but he's not short on NFL-caliber talent. The explosive former Temple transfer could push sluggish incumbent Bobby McCray for the Saints' nickel rusher role.