Saints’ deadline deal is already looking better than they could have imagined when they got rid of a former first-round pick
It is a move that looks like it will pay off.
The Los Angeles Chargers made a last minute NFL trade deadline deal with the New Orleans Saints earlier this month. In a risky, but hopeful move, they acquired a former first-round selection from the black and gold to try to help protect Justin Herbert. So far, he’s not helping fix the issue.
Trevor Penning struggles in debut with Chargers
The former Saint offensive lineman headed to the AFC at the trade deadline in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick. The Chargers desperately needed offensive line help due to injuries, but that addition of Penning may be doing more harm than good so far. He got his first start with the Chargers in Week 11, at left tackle.
In that game, he was the weakest point of a battered group upfront for LA. Penning was the lowest rated offensive player for the Bolts against the Jaguars. He was charted for allowing one sack and five pressures. He was also whistled for two penalties. It was a disaster for the most part, and Penning was replaced in the fourth quarter.
Penning has not played much left tackle since 2023, so this was a bit of a baptism by fire by the Chargers coaching staff. They had seen the struggles of other players at that spot and had to give the newly-acquired former first-round pick a chance. Now, it will be intriguing to see what Penning’s role is going forward. The Saints look a bit smart by simply getting anything in exchange for him at the deadline at this point.
Luke Fortner may be long-term asset for Saints offensive line
Trading for Fortner wasn’t directly related to the Penning deal, but it did open up the door a bit more. New Orleans acquired Fortner in the Khalen Saunders trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this year. With Erik McCoy now out for the season due to injury, Fortner has stepped in at center and impressed plenty of people so far.
When it comes to pass blocking, Fortner is ranked third at center in the entire NFL by Pro Football Focus (82.7 PFF grade). His 76.7 overall grade ranks 8th in the league. His play has been rather spotless up to this point for Kellen Moore’s team, and that gave them confidence to move on from Penning at the deadline.
Only time will tell if Fortner vies for a starting role past this season, but he has started his Saints tenure by leaving quite the impression. With that, it has made fans a lot more comfortable about the future of the OL for New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints News
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