Luke Fortner Heads to Carolina: Saints Lose Center in Free Agency

The Carolina Panthers have added to their offensive line, agreeing to terms with center Luke Fortner, who departs the New Orleans Saints after one season. The move addresses a demand for the Panthers although leaving a hole in the Saints’ depth at the position.

Fortner’s Journey to Carolina

Fortner, a third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, joined the Saints in a trade during the 2025 training camp in exchange for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders . He quickly became a key contributor when starting center Erik McCoy suffered a season-ending biceps injury in Week 7 .

Starting in the final 10 games of the 2025 season, Fortner demonstrated his reliability, allowing only 11 pressures over 442 pass-blocking snaps, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 98.3 in pass blocking efficiency . While his run-blocking grade was lower at 65.3, the Saints’ offensive line as a whole faced challenges in that area.

Impact on Both Teams

For the Panthers, the addition of Fortner provides depth and competition at the center position, currently occupied by Austin Corbett . Fortner’s ability to step in and perform at a high level offers valuable insurance.

The Saints now face the task of finding a suitable backup center. Torricelli Simpkins III is currently on the roster, but the team may also consider signing another free agent or drafting a center to provide support for Erik McCoy, who has missed 20 of his last 34 games due to injury .

Contract Details

Fortner’s contract with the Carolina Panthers is a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million , .