Saints' deadline deal is already looking better than they could have imagined when they got rid of a former first-round pick
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.
Penning on the wrong side of history in his first start at left tackle since 2023. https://t.co/1rdHYWM0uP
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) November 16, 2025
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.
The top NFL centers in Week 10, according to PFSN's Player OL Impact Metric ⤵
86.8 | Tanor Bortolini, Colts
83.6 | Drew Dalman, Bears
81.3 | Coleman Shelton, Rams
81.3 | Olu Oluwatimi, Seahawks
81.2 | Luke Fortner, Saints
80.8 | Graham Barton, Buccaneers
79.9 | Jordan Meredith,… pic.twitter.com/2RVf8t0b1D
— PFSN (@PFSN365) November 12, 2025
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.
Patrick Mahomes Fires Up Chiefs: 'Every Game Is an Opportunity to Show I’m the Best'
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and in a bold statement this week, he reaffirmed his determination to lead the team to victory. With the Chiefs facing tough competition in the AFC, Mahomes made it clear that he’s ready to take charge and prove that he’s the best quarterback in the league.
“I know what I’m capable of, and I’m not backing down from any challenge,” Mahomes said. “Every game is an opportunity to show why I’m the best, and I’m ready to prove it on the field. If we want to win, it starts with me leading the charge, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Mahomes, who has already led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory and claimed multiple MVP awards, has set a high bar for himself and his team. His unwavering confidence and leadership are key to his success, and he knows that his performance on the field will set the tone for the entire team.
As the Chiefs continue to battle for playoff positioning, Mahomes’ words serve as a reminder that success isn’t just about talent — it’s about mindset. He understands the weight of leading one of the NFL’s most high-profile teams and knows that it’s his responsibility to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
“I don’t take this lightly,” Mahomes continued. “We have a team full of talent, but if we want to reach our potential, I have to lead by example. Every game is a chance for me to prove that I’m the one who can take us where we want to go.”
This mindset has been evident in Mahomes’ performance on the field. Even when faced with adversity, he remains poised and composed, always finding a way to make the big plays when it matters most. His leadership style has inspired teammates and earned him the respect of opponents.
Mahomes' commitment to being the best is reflected not only in his individual accolades but also in the success of the team as a whole. Under his leadership, the Chiefs have become perennial contenders, consistently competing for championships year after year. As long as Mahomes is under center, the Chiefs will continue to be a force in the NFL.
With a focus on each game as an opportunity to prove himself, Mahomes remains hungry for more. The Chiefs’ playoff aspirations depend on his ability to lead, and there’s no doubt that Mahomes is up for the challenge.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Mahomes can continue to back up his bold words with action. With the Chiefs aiming for another deep playoff run, Mahomes' confidence is sure to fuel the team’s drive to succeed.
“I’m ready for whatever comes our way,” Mahomes said. “It’s all about getting better every week, and I’m going to make sure this team is ready to fight until the very end.”
