Saints Have Easy Projected $18 Million Decision to Make

New Orleans, LA—As the Saints map out their 2026 roster, one item on the offseason checklist looks refreshingly straightforward: securing veteran center Luke Fortner for the next three seasons at a projected cost of roughly $18.5 million.

Fortner, 27, arrived as injury insurance for two-time Pro Bowler Erik McCoy and wound up starting 10 of 17 games in 2025 while McCoy missed extended time. Pro Football Focus graded Fortner at 66.5, ranking him 18th among 40 qualifying centers and validating his reliability inside the arc. With McCoy logging only 14 appearances across the past two campaigns, New Orleans values Fortner not merely as a fill-in but as a dependable rotation piece who already has chemistry with quarterback Tyler Shough.

Spotrac’s valuation—about $6.2 million per year—slots Fortner in the middle tier of NFL centers, a figure the club can absorb without straining the cap. A shorter, incentive-laden deal could drive the price even lower, but even at the full projection the Saints would lock in continuity at a position that has become increasingly volatile.

The offensive line’s broader outlook supports the move. Bookend tackles Taliese Fuaga (2024 first-rounder) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (2025 first-rounder) are under affordable rookie deals through at least 2027, and guard Cesar Ruiz remains under team control for two more seasons. Retaining Fortner would solidify the interior while the franchise continues to evaluate guard upgrades elsewhere.

Given the modest price tag, Fortner’s proven production, and McCoy’s recent health concerns, executives inside the Caesars Superdome are expected to treat the decision as a formality once the new league year opens.