Despite a frustrating first half of the season for the Carolina Panthers' offensive line, general manager Dan Morgan decided to sit tight and do nothing before the 2026 trade deadline.
And despite not being one of the team’s best offensive linemen this season, Luke Fortner will get a chance to bounce back after the Panthers decided not to look elsewhere for help.
However, he is far from guaranteed the starting role, with rookie Sam Hecht and veteran Brady Christensen in the mix.
Luke Fortner cannot get complacent after Carolina Panthers trade deadline reprieve
The Panthers signed Fortner after losing their starting center Cade Mays to the Detroit Lions in free agency.
It was a logical move at the time, as he had performed well in 2025 with the New Orleans Saints. However, Fortner has failed to replicate that success at Carolina.
He has picked up a 53.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in the first eight weeks of the season (29th among 36 centers). His pass-blocking grade has been even worse, with a 51.4 rating (27th) and 18 pressures and two sacks in 315 pass-blocking snaps.
This is worrying, as the Panthers have struggled to protect quarterback Bryce Young.
The offensive line gave up 11 combined sacks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers, putting their franchise quarterback under intense pressure. They improved their protection against the Denver Broncos but still gave up three sacks, including one that ended the game with a strip sack.
Fortner can’t be blamed for everything that has gone wrong. The Panthers have suffered injuries in the offensive line, and other positions have struggled too.
Sam Hecht or Brady Christensen can step in if Luke Fortner flounders
But the Panthers signed him to bring stability to the position, and he has clearly failed to do so.
However, two potential replacements could threaten Fortner’s grip on the starting role.
The Panthers drafted Hecht out of Kansas State with the No. 144 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He started 25 games in college and was named All-Big 12. He can be a development option, potentially starting sooner rather than later.
Then there is Christensen. He has started games at all five offensive line positions, and the Panthers recently opened his 21-day practice window.
If the Panthers feel Hecht is ready, he can come in at some point, but Christensen’s versatility gives them another option.
For now, however, Fortner will start as the center, and it appears that they are willing to give their offensive line another chance.
They face the Saints next, and Fortner can build momentum against his old team. They can’t afford to give up pressure in the middle with the NFC South still wide open.
If Fortner continues to struggle, then they won’t need to look externally for someone to take his role.
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