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.