The New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars completed a trade, exchanging offensive lineman Luke Fortner for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. The trade will help both squads bolster their depth, at positions that they are need of.
Fortner could be used as a backup center to Erick McCoy and will fill anywhere along the line in case of an injury. He will also have the opportunity to get important reps in the teams final preseason game versus the Denver Broncos.
It's no guarantee Fortner will make the roster. Undrafted free agent Torricelli Simpkins III has played well. This trade moves Simpkins back over to guard, but he shouldn't be left out of the backup center conversation if Fortner doesn't immediately impress.
Saints strike a deal for reliable depth piece
The Saints had an overcrowded defensive line and needed to immediately address their offensive line depth, after Will Clapp suffered a season ending injury. Fortner is in the final year of his deal and is looking to find a new home.
Fortner was drafted by the Jaguars in the 2022 NFL draft with the 65th pick in the 3rd round. He was known as a reliable option, playing in all 51 games during his 3 seasons in Jacksonville. He was also a full time starter for the squad from 2022-23, before transitioning into a role on special teams in 2024
During his 2 years as a starter, Fortner performed well below average as a run blocker and mediocre as a pass blocker. He posted overall PFF grades of 49.6 and 44.3. Due to his struggles, the Jaguars would sign veteran center Mitch Morse in the 2024 offseason, demoting Fortner into a back up role.
A change of scenery could provide a breathe of fresh air for Saints new acquisition
The Saints injury history at the offensive line position has been quite troublesome. The injuries began to fall like dominos on the offensive line, causing major struggles on the field last season. The Saints will rely on Fortner to step in anywhere on the offensive line when called upon.
Fortner hasn’t had the best start to his career, but he’s still fairly young at 27 years old. In Year 4, a change of scenery could be all he needs to boost his production on the field. The Saints may have to rely on him in a pinch 2025, as he’s proven to stay healthy and play multiple positions.