Jacksonville traded Luke Fortner to New Orleans in exchange for Khalen Saunders, a rare player-for-player swap that emphasizes both teams’ roster-balancing moves this offseason. Jacksonville cleared Fortner’s path to the roster after adding Jonah Monheim and Mitch Morse at center, while also strengthening its defensive tackle depth with Saunders joining the fold.

The Saints acquire Fortner to complement their interior line, while New Orleans gains a young DT to push for more run-stuffing snaps. Fortner started for the Jaguars in 2022 and 2023, but a new center pipeline in Jacksonville made his roster odds tougher. Meanwhile, Saunders provides depth behind the Saints’ front, giving both clubs concrete roles to monitor through training camp and early preseason evaluations.

From a fantasy and betting lens, Saunders could become a late-season value if he earns meaningful snaps, especially in run-heavy games. Fortner’s departure tightens the Saints’ interior rotation, potentially opening an opportunity for the Saints’ interior linemen to step up, while Monheim and Morse shape the Jaguars’ center competition and depth chart as camp unfolds.

Jacksonville Jaguars fans can rejoice as head coach Liam Coen has announced the decision to play starters in their upcoming preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This marks a significant shift from previous years, highlighting the team's commitment to player development and preparation ahead of the regular season.

Coen disclosed that the players expressed their interest in taking the field, particularly spotlighting center Robert Hainsey and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who engaged in discussions with Coen about their readiness and eagerness to play. The move comes as the Jaguars aim to streamline their new systems on both offense and defense, making it crucial for starters to gain valuable in-game experience.

Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Robert Hainsey, the new center for the Jacksonville Jaguars, ranks 23rd among NFL centers, according to Pro Football Focus. Although Hainsey's playing time was limited last season due to competition, he demonstrated potential with a 73.3 overall PFF grade on a small sample size of snaps. The Jaguars hope that this addition will bolster their offensive line and protect their franchise quarterback.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are undertaking a significant transformation of their offensive line during OTAs, emphasizing competition and depth. This offseason, the Jaguars added six new players to their offensive line through free agency and the NFL draft, enhancing both the unit's versatility and overall talent. Notable additions include Patrick Mekari, Robert Hainsey, and Chuma Edoga, among others.

Head coach Liam Coen has a solid starting five in mind, yet with the introduction of a new offensive system and the need for improved performance before the season opener, the depth chart remains fluid. The team's strategy is to foster competition, which is crucial in the offensive line to ensure the best players get the chance to shine on the field come Week 1.

Jacksonville Jaguars made headlines by signing center Robert Hainsey, who carries significant upside, according to PFF's Ben Cooper. Hainsey may have been a backup last season, but his track record includes not allowing a sack over 600 pass-blocking snaps in 2022, positioning him among elite company. The Jaguars' decision to bring him onboard is largely based on his experience with Liam Coen's offense, which will ease the burden on star quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

General Manager James Gladstone emphasized Hainsey's familiarity with the system as a key factor in the signing. This strategic move aims to bolster the offensive line while enhancing Lawrence's efficiency at the line of scrimmage. The three-year, $21 million deal showcases the team's commitment to strengthening their roster and maximizing their offensive potential.