The Panthers might have discovered their alternative for Cade Mays. The crew is about to signal veteran heart Luke Fortner, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
It’s a one-year deal for Fortner, per Pelissero. The contract can pay the lineman as much as $4.75MM.
The 2022 third-round choose spent the primary three seasons of his profession in Jacksonville. He was a full-time starter by way of his first two years, however he was restricted to solely 13 offensive snaps in 17 video games in 2024. Predictably, the Jaguars moved on from him following that marketing campaign, buying and selling him to the Saints for defensive sort out Khalen Saunders.
Fortner returned to the beginning lineup throughout his lone season in New Orleans, beginning 10 of his 17 appearances. Pro Football Focus believed this was one of the best exhibiting of the lineman’s profession, rating him seventeenth amongst 37 qualifying facilities. The website finally credited him with three sacks allowed and 11 pressures allowed.
Mays joined the Lions yesterday on a three-year deal, and with heart/guard Austin Corbett additionally unsigned, the Panthers had a significant gap on their offensive line. Fortner will certainly be penciled in for the beginning gig getting into coaching camp, however he might face some competitors from particular teamer Nick Samac or another offseason acquisition.
