Erik McCoy's injury won't result in the same disaster as last year
The New Orleans Saints received troubling news that their two time Pro Bowl center, Erik McCoy suffered a season ending torn triceps injury in their week 7 matchup against the Chicago Bears. The loss is a major blow to an offensive line that has already battled inconsistency throughout the season.
McCoy was having a solid start to the season. Through seven games, he had an overall 67.2 PFF grade, ranking first in pass blocking with an impressive 83.1, but only 28th in run blocking at 61.7.
Although his injury is a big blow, the squad must move on, as he will be replaced with Luke Fortner, who will look to fill the void and keep the offensive line steady for the remainder of the season. He’s ready to step up and prove himself on the big stage.
Saints turn to Fortner to anchor the middle
The Saints traded for Fortner during the 2025 preseason, he was brought in as a versatile and durable depth piece that could be plugged anywhere on the offensive if needed. Now in his fourth season, he has played in every game of his career and is a former two year starter with Jaguars.
Fortner's experience and reliability make him a valuable asset as the Saints adjust to life without McCoy. The coaching staff believes that he can step in and maintain stability in the middle of the line The Saints saw this story last year and brought in Fortner for this exact reason.
The Saints viewed other options such as Torricelli Simpkins and Cesar Ruiz before ultimately deciding to roll with Fortner. Simpkins a young and athletic lineman, has shown promise in limited snaps but doesn’t quite have the experience to handle full time duties at center. If anything happens to Fortner or he just underperforms, Simpkins is likely the next man up.
Ruiz, primarily a guard, has past experience at the position, but the coaching staff preferred to keep him at his natural spot on the interior. Ruiz always felt like a longshot. Moving him would essentially disrupt two positions. While he was getting reacclimated to center, there would be someone trying to supplant Ruiz.
Ultimately, Fortner gives you a blend of experience and ease. McCoy was one of the best in the business, and arguably the most important cog in the offensive line machine. Fortner will have not just big shoes to fill but important ones as well.
Broncos Eye Reunion with $94 Million Former Top-5 Pick in Bold Trade Proposal
The Denver Broncos lead the NFL with 34 sacks through seven weeks, 8 more than the second-place Los Angeles Rams. And yet, the Broncos could be in a prime position to swing a trade for a luxury addition like Bradley Chubb.
Chubb, 29, is currently with the Miami Dolphins, who are 1-6 on the season.
However, he began his career with the Broncos, who selected him with the No. 5 overall pick of the 2018 draft.
Broncos Trade Proposal Lands Dolphins EDGE Bradley Chubb
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin noted that Chubb leads the Dolphins in sacks, with the two-time Pro Bowler notching 4.0 sacks through seven games. Benjamin also listed the Broncos as a “logical landing spot” for Chubb, should the Dolphins choose to move him before the deadline.
This Heavy Sports Broncos trade proposal would send Chubb back to Denver.
Broncos get:
- Bradley Chubb
Dolphins get:
- 2026 third-round pick
“Miami paid a big price to land Chubb via trade a few years ago,” Benjamin wrote on October 23. “But the Dolphins are seemingly on the verge of a total overhaul as their 2025 campaign goes down the drain. Despite going on 30, Chubb could still make a sizable impact as an edge rushing rental, perhaps in the mold of Von Miller for the 2021 Rams.”
The Dolphins traded a first-round pick, a future fourth-rounder, and running back Chase Edmonds to the Broncos for Chubb and a fifth-round selection in 2022.
Chubb is signed through 2027 on a three-year, $54.5 million contract, with over $94 million in career earnings. The cost, both in terms of cap space and draft capital, is but one potential roadblock to the Broncos swinging a trade for Chubb before the deadline.
Bradley Chubb Would Be Costly Luxury Addition for Broncos
Broncos head coach Sean Payton left the door open to explore trade options before the deadline. Moreover, the Broncos could be in the market for a pass rusher behind starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, and Chubb can move inside on occasion.
However, Chubb’s cap hit jumps from $12.3 million in 2025 to $31.2 million in 2026 and $31.5 million in 2027.
Per Over The Cap, the Broncos have $5 million in space entering Week 8.
That number jumps to $49.5 million in 2026 and $68.6 million in 2027. Those figures will change as the Broncos hand out extensions and move players around. Adding Chubb would create another financial hurdle to overcome for a luxury addition.
Broncos OLB Jonah Elliss Logs Full Practice
In addition to the finances of a trade for Chubb and Bonitto and Cooper’s presence, the Broncos are also high on backups Dondrea Tillman and Jonah Elliss. Both players have 1.0 sacks on the season, but Elliss returned to practice for the first time since Week 5 in Week 8.
The duo logged 5.0 sacks apiece in 2024.
Chubb missed last season with a torn ACL. He also racked up 11.0 sacks in 2023, and he had at least 7.5 sacks in three of his other five seasons.
He could be an upgrade over the Broncos’ current backup situation, but the Broncos have several reasons to at least hold out a little longer before making a trade. They will play two more games before the November 4 deadline, including hosting the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8.
