The New Orleans Saints’ offensive line just took a gut punch, and they’re not wasting any time trying to patch things up. After left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. went down, the Saints front office was forced to bring in free agents for a group workout this Tuesday, September 29, 2026. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a scramble to avoid a major problem right when the regular season is getting intense. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler dropped the news on the group workout, confirming the Saints are aggressively hunting for immediate help.
Who Did the Saints Call Up?
Among the linemen trying out were a couple of names with serious Louisiana connections: Cornelius Lucas and Cody Ford. Lucas, a 35-year-old battle-tested veteran, actually had a short stint with the Saints way back in 2018, spending about a week with the team. Since then, he carved out a real role for himself, becoming a regular starter for the Washington Commanders from 2020 through 2024. We’re talking about a 12-year pro here, folks, with experience at both tackle spots. He primarily lines up on the right side, logging over 2,800 career snaps there according to Pro Football Focus. This guy played his college ball at Kansas State and even spent some time as teammates with Kellen Moore back in the day on the Detroit Lions roster.
Then there’s Cody Ford, a 29-year-old who brings a ton of versatility. He was a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2019 out of Oklahoma, and he’s got experience playing at no less than four different offensive line positions. Most recently, he was backing up the right tackle spot for the Cincinnati Bengals, but don’t let that fool you. He still put in over 400 snaps at left tackle last year, in 2024, showing he can swing. Plus, he’s started games at both left and right guard, proving his adaptability. He even served as grand marshal of the Alexandria Mardi Gras parade earlier this year, adding a bit of local flavor.
The Depth Chart Is Looking Thin
Let’s be real: neither Lucas nor Ford are expected to be immediate starters. This move is all about adding crucial depth. With Kelvin Banks Jr. sidelined, Asim Richards is currently filling in at left tackle, and he definitely needs experienced backups behind him. On the other side, rookie waiver claim Mason Murphy is the one backing up Taliese Fuaga at right tackle. Beyond those guys, the Saints are relying on practice squad reserves like Alan Herron, Alex Wollschlaeger, and Easton Kilty. When you’re in the thick of the regular season, you need more than just a few names to call on; you need players who can actually step up and perform if the worst happens. Lucas and Ford could be those reliable options, even if they aren’t everyday starters.
The big question now, and it’s a pressing one, is whether the Saints will pull the trigger and sign one or both of these free agents. We’ll be keeping an eye out to see if any other linemen were part of that workout and what decision the Saints ultimately make. Their offensive line depth is on the clock, and they need answers fast to keep their season on track.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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