Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that the Panthers are signing C Luke Fortner to a one-year contract worth up to $4.75 million.
Fortner, 27, was a First Team All-SEC selection and team captain for Kentucky as a center in 2021, but he also played at both guard spots for the team. He was redshirted as a freshman back in 2016. The Jaguars used the No. 65 overall pick on him in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Fortner was traded to the Saints last year. He played out the final year of his four-year $5,500,063 rookie contract that includes a $1,180,046 signing bonus.
In 2025, Fortner appeared in all 17 games for the Saints and made 10 starts for them at center.
We had him included in our Top 100 Available 2026 NFL Free Agents.
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