Saints Bolster Offensive Line with Fortner Trade

Veteran center Luke Fortner provided stability to New Orleans' struggling interior line in 2025.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:23am

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The New Orleans Saints traded for veteran offensive lineman Luke Fortner late in the 2025 preseason, a move that proved crucial after injuries sidelined starting center Erik McCoy for much of the year. Fortner stepped in and started the final 10 games, providing adequate play at the center position and helping solidify an offensive line that had been one of the NFL's worst over the previous two seasons.

Why it matters

The Saints' offensive line had been a major weakness, hampering the team's overall performance. Fortner's acquisition and steady play helped offset the loss of McCoy and gave the Saints some much-needed stability up front.

The details

Fortner, a third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, had started all 34 games over his first two NFL seasons. The Saints traded defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to the Jaguars to acquire Fortner, who initially saw limited playing time before being thrust into the starting lineup at center after McCoy went down with a torn biceps in Week 7. While not as dominant as McCoy, Fortner was adequate in pass protection and a solid run blocker, playing every offensive snap for the Saints over the final 10 games.

  • In the 2025 preseason, the Saints traded for Fortner.
  • In Week 7 against the Chicago Bears, starting center Erik McCoy suffered a season-ending torn biceps injury.
  • For the final 10 games of the 2025 season, Fortner started at center for the Saints.

The players

Luke Fortner

A fourth-year offensive lineman who was traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 preseason.

Erik McCoy

The Saints' starting center, who missed much of the 2025 season due to a torn biceps injury.

Khalen Saunders

A defensive tackle who the Saints traded to the Jaguars in order to acquire Fortner.

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What’s next

The Saints will need to decide whether to re-sign Fortner as a free agent in March, as he could provide valuable depth and experience along the interior offensive line.

The takeaway

The Saints' acquisition of Luke Fortner proved to be an underrated move that helped stabilize their offensive line in 2025 after injuries sidelined their starting center. Fortner's solid play down the stretch showed he could be a valuable piece going forward, even if the Saints look to upgrade the guard positions this offseason.