Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints center Cesar Ruiz (51) and center Luke Fortner (79) attempt to block Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zeek Biggers (93) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images Rich Storry-Imagn Images

Saints Have Easy Projected $18 Million Decision to Make

Originally posted on New Orleans Saints on SI
By Patrick McAvoy | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 8:56 AM ET

The New Orleans Saints' offense line could be pretty good in 2026.

New Orleans is set at offensive tackle for the foreseeable future with Kelvin Banks Jr., who will be entering his second season in the National Football League after being selected with the No. 9 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Saints are set at the other offensive tackle spot with 23-year-old Taliese Fuaga, who will be entering his third NFL season after being selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

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The Saints have two-time Pro Bowler Erik McCoy under contract for two more seasons, although he has had some trouble with injuries over the last two seasons. McCoy played in just 14 games total across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. When he's healthy, though, he's among the best overall centers in the NFL. There are some questions at guard, although Cesar Ruiz has two more seasons of control left. Another question for the team will be whether they retain Luke Fortner, who filled in well for McCoy when he was out in 2025.

The Saints shouldn't close the door to a deal

Fortner played in all 17 games for the Saints, including 10 starts. He had a 66.5 PFF grade in 2025, good for 18th among 40 qualifying centers. It wouldn't hurt to bring him back for depth purposes. Right now, Spotrac has his projected market value as just over $18.5 million across three seasons.

That's a fair price for someone who showed in 2025 that he can be a consistent piece of the offense line when McCoy was injured. With McCoy only playing in 14 games over the last two seasons, it wouldn't be a bad thing to have depth behind him who can step in at a moment's notice. If they could get him on a shorter deal, that would be even better. He's only 27 years old. If the price tag falls in the range Spotrac projected, it would be a no-brainer to bring him back. He's had some success in town and worked with Tyler Shough in 2025. Keeping some continuity around him would be for the best.

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This article first appeared on New Orleans Saints on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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