Two teams, one swap: Khalen Saunders leaves New Orleans for Jacksonville, and Luke Fortner arrives in return, reshaping the Saints’ interior depth. Fortner, 27, started for the Jaguars over the last two seasons and logged over 2,400 snaps in 2022-23, though his 2024 role waned. His arrival gives New Orleans a potential centerDepth option behind Erik McCoy as the club navigates injuries along the line.

New Orleans has been hit by illness and roster instability, with Will Clapp season-ending and both Cesar Ruiz and Trevor Penning managing bumps. The Saints eyed free agent centers, eventually signing Mike Panasiuk after a preseason look behind Torriceli Simpkins III. Panasiuk’s penalty in one outing could spur continued experimentation, including moving Simpkins to guard as Penning and Ruiz work back. More updates are expected as the depth chart takes shape.

With 68 days remaining until the 2025 season opener, the New Orleans Saints are preparing to host the Arizona Cardinals. Under the helm of new head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints aim to bounce back from a disappointing 5-12 record in 2024. One potential standout in their ranks is undrafted rookie offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III, who aspires to make his mark by becoming the 18th player in franchise history to don the number 68 in a regular-season game.

Historically, the number 68 has seen many players, from Richard Winther, the first to wear it, to notable offensive linemen like Kyle Turley and Victor Riley. The Saints are hopeful that Simpkins can replicate the success of his predecessors and contribute to a turnaround season, solidifying the offensive line as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

The countdown to the 2025 NFL season is on, with just 68 days until the New Orleans Saints kick off their season at home against the Arizona Cardinals. The Saints are set to embark on this journey under new head coach Kellen Moore, aiming to rebound from a disappointing 5-12 finish last year. Among the fresh faces in training camp is offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III, an undrafted rookie from South Carolina. His impressive performance during the offseason may earn him a coveted roster spot as the Saints seek to bolster their offensive line.