PFF: Saints free agent loss one of offseason's most underrated moves

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PFF: Saints free agent loss one of offseason's most underrated moves

PFF: Saints free agent loss one of offseason's most underrated moves

Luke Loffredo, Saints Wire · Saints Wire

Mon, Jul 27, 2026 ·

2 min read

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A New Orleans Saints offseason departure was recently named to Pro Football Focus' list of this spring's five most underappreciated acquisitions -- someone who stepped into a starting role last season and did an admirable job replacing a Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy due to injury. After signing with the division-rival Carolina Panthers in free agency, he now has the opportunity to solidify the middle of Carolina's offensive line and prove that his breakout 2025 campaign was no fluke.

Written by Bradley Locker of PFF, the list highlights why this player deserves more recognition than he's received this offseason. Let's take a closer look at what Locker had to say about the former Saints center.

Panthers brass did its part to upgrade a below-average defense, making two splash moves by signing Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips . Yet the addition of Fortner was quietly a savvy one as well.

After playing only 13 offensive snaps in 2024, Fortner enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign with New Orleans . Across 678 snaps, Fortner permitted three sacks but just 11 pressures, good for a 72.5 PFF pass-blocking grade to rank third among qualified centers. Moreover, Fortner was his best in the run game yet with a career-high 65.3 PFF run-blocking grade, including the 61stpercentile for gap concepts.

Utilizing both Cade Mays and Austin Corbett , the Panthers earned just the 23rd-ranked overall PFF grade at center last season. With both departing this spring, Fortner figures to not only assume command, but has the tools to upgrade the position along a high-potential offensive line.

Locker views Fortner as one of the more overlooked additions from this offseason, highlighting the tremendous strides he made during his tenure in New Orleans in limited action. His grades via PFF are a direct reflection of that, earning the 3rd highest pass-blocking grade among centers, while also posting career-high numbers in the run game. With a clear path to the starting job in Carolina, Fortner has the opportunity to build on his breakout season and make a career for himself as one of the league's most reliable players at his position.