Farewell to a Black & Gold Chapter: Trevor Penning Heads West
The New Orleans Saints have officially moved on from offensive lineman Trevor Penning — trading him to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2027 draft pick. The deal comes with much emotion, reflection and a clear pivot toward new beginnings.
Rising Expectations, Shifting Roles
Selected 19th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Penning arrived in New Orleans as the club’s big-bodied offensive tackle hope.
Standing 6-7 and weighing around 325 lbs, he carried impressive size and raw potential from his time at Northern Iowa Panthers, where he logged 33 starts and even became the first offensive lineman ever nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Walter Payton Award.
Over his time in New Orleans, Penning logged 46 games played with 29 starts, showcasing his versatility along the offensive front.
The 2024 season saw him start all 17 games at right tackle, while the 2025 season brought a transition to left guard, starting six of the first contests before the trade.
Why the Move?
For the Saints, this trade marks a clear sign that the organization is leaning forward on restructuring. With Penning’s fifth-year option not picked up earlier in 2025, the club signaled they were open to exploring other avenues along the line. Moving him now allowed New Orleans to capture a future pick and give young players an opportunity to step up.
For the Chargers, the move made immediate sense: their offensive line was reeling from major injuries — notably to star tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. ([chargers.com][6]) Penning arrives as a flexible piece capable of playing either tackle or guard — a valuable asset given L.A.’s current lineman turbulence.
Gratitude to the Black & Gold
To the Saints faithful, Penning represented the promise of building a powerful, physical line to protect quarterbacks and open running lanes. While the results may not have fully matched the hopes, his effort and presence in the locker room leave a mark. Over the last three seasons he honoured the black and gold, battled through injuries and position changes, and answered the call when asked.
“Thank you for everything, Trevor.”—a sentiment echoed across New Orleans.
Now: A New Chapter in Powder Blue
Penning arrives in Los Angeles with a new opportunity and a fresh slate. As he himself put it:
> “A lot of stuff going on in a very short amount of time. I’m excited to be here … ready to get to work.”
The Chargers will determine how he fits best — whether that’s returning to tackle or remaining a guard — but the platform is set for him to rewrite the narrative. For Penning, it’s a chance to unlock the high-ceiling potential that drew the Saints’ attention three years ago.
This trade is as much about transitions as it is about performance. For the Saints, it’s about turning a page toward the future; for Penning, it’s a fresh opportunity to rise; for the Chargers, it’s a calculated leap of faith to shore up a vulnerable position.
As Penning moves on, New Orleans fans can reflect on his contributions, thank him for his time in black and gold, and wish him well in powder blue. The next chapter starts now.