The New Orleans Saints lost another key free agent on Tuesday.
Center Luke Fortner, one of the team’s most dependable offensive linemen last season, has agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.75 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, the NFL Network reported.
Fortner’s departure was not a surprise. He was an unrestricted free agent who was expected to test the open market for a starting opportunity after playing well in a cameo starting role for the Saints last season.
The Saints obtained Fortner in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars during training camp last year. He was signed to fortify the team’s depth along the interior line, but he was thrust into a starting role when Erik McCoy suffered a season-ending biceps injury in Week 7. Fortner started the final 10 games at center and performed well enough to draw interest from multiple teams looking for a starter in free agency.
His signing with the Panthers comes one day after Carolina lost starting center Cade Mays to the Detroit Lions.
Fortner, 27, has started 44 games in four seasons after the Jaguars selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was ranked 74th on The Athletic’s list top 150 free agents.