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Fortner Leaves Saints for Panthers Deal
11 Mar
Summary
- Luke Fortner traded to Saints last August for Khalen Saunders.
- Fortner signed a one-year deal worth $4.75 million.
- He started ten games at center for the Saints in 2025.
Luke Fortner, who was traded to the New Orleans Saints in August 2025, is now set to join a division rival, the Carolina Panthers. The interior offensive lineman has agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.75 million.
Fortner, 27, played a significant role for the Saints during the 2025 season, appearing in all 17 games and starting ten at center. He stepped in as a key replacement for Erik McCoy, allowing only three sacks and three penalties in his starts.
His departure was anticipated, as he was scheduled to become a free agent and would have faced limited opportunities with a healthy McCoy and the signing of David Edwards. The Saints appear to be prioritizing younger talent and McCoy's health, while the Panthers see Fortner as a starting-caliber asset.
For the Saints, who are tight against the salary cap, matching Fortner's contract for insurance was not feasible. They will now seek alternative options in the draft or later free agency to bolster their interior offensive line.
