CHARLOTTE — The Panthers have a new middle man on the offensive line after reportedly agreeing to terms with veteran center Luke Fortner on Tuesday evening.
A Kentucky alum, Fortner was originally drafted in the third-round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022. He spent three seasons with the Jags before being traded to the New Orleans Saints ahead of the 2025 season. He has played in 68 games in his career, while starting 44, including 10 last season with the Saints.
According to Next Gen Stats, Fortner's 4.3 percentage of quarterback pressures allowed was the eighth-lowest amongst qualifying centers in the league last season (min. 350 pass blocking snaps).
Fortner's reported addition will fill a need after incumbent starter and free agent Cade Mays reportedly agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions on Monday.