Saints get a win on their bye week following latest AFC news that connects to notable offseason trade
New Orleans looks smart following recent AFC move.
The New Orleans Saints got a victory entering their bye week, and the latest AFC news sparks another, different sort of win for them with the week off the football field. A trade they made earlier this year looks like a triumph when it comes to value in the short-term, and potential long-term as well.
Jaguars release Khalen Saunders after earlier trade with Saints
According to reports, veteran defensive lineman Khalen Saunders is headed to waivers. The Jaguars released him on Thursday morning. Saunders appeared in just two total games for Jacksonville and totaled three tackles after joining the team in a trade with the Saints.
Luke Fortner playing well as new starter following injuries
Losing Erik McCoy was a massive blow to the upside of the Saints offense. That being said, the return in the Saunders trade has actually played well since entering the starting lineup. Via Pro Football Focus, Fortner has recorded a 76.7 overall grade – good for 8th in the NFL at the center position. Additionally, his pass protection has been elite with an 82.7 grade (3rd in the NFL at center).
“Fortner trade was a good and quietly important move for the Saints. Great insurance policy at center and — so far — has kept the offense from cratering the way it has in the past when McCoy got hurt.”
— Nick Underhill
When the deal happened, some fans weren’t happy with trading the veteran defender in Saunders, but it has ultimately made a lot more sense for New Orleans’ side. Saunders’ snaps were going to decrease with the emergence of Bryan Bresee and the presence of Nathan Shepherd.
Plus, the Saints had just invested in rookie DT Vernon Broughton during the draft. He suffered a season-ending injury early in the season, but that was impossible to predict for the Saints. As for Fortner’s role, he provided backup depth at every interior OL position.
Considering how many offensive line injuries the Saints have dealt with this season, that has become vital for them. With him playing well now, it seems like this admission from the Jaguars proves New Orleans made the correct decision in moving on from Saunders.
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