The Panthers sign center Luke Fortner to a one-year deal, a below-average depth addition with limited upside. Headlines suggest Fortner is already on thin ice, with reporters questioning his roster security post-draft. The Panthers drafted Sam Hecht at pick 144, signaling Fortner is merely a short-term bridge option. Fans are skeptical, with analysts openly declaring Fortner inferior to Hecht as a Cade Mays replacement. Fortner likely serves as training camp competition before Hecht takes the starting role.
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Contract Value Index (CVI)
A-
Great Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
This signing grades out as a solid deal for the Carolina Panthers — the team is getting significantly more on-field production than what they're paying for. Luke's on-field performance ranks in the middle of the pack among NFL Cs, grading him as a serviceable starter at the position. His $2.8M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the C market. The value equation works strongly in the team's favor — they're getting serviceable starter production at bargain cost, which is the kind of financial efficiency that builds roster depth. Luke is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract. The one-year deal minimizes the team's financial risk, effectively making this a prove-it contract.
Contract Details
Length
1 year
Total Value
$2.8M
AAV
$2.8M
Guaranteed
$1.3M
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