Saints OL Trevor Penning ‘excited’ about move from tackle to guard

METAIRIE, La. – There are usually a plethora of changes that come with a new coaching staff. When it comes to the Saints and offensive lineman Trevor Penning, it means a change from tackle to guard. Penning said the transition has been an easy one so far.

“It’s not too bad, less space than tackle. Have to have tighter footwork and faster feet. Everything is closer, but it has been going good,” Penning said.

The fourth-year player believes he will have no issues making an impact at his new position.

“Obviously I don’t think I can’t play tackle, but in the run game at guard, the things I do well, I can shine at guard,” Penning said.

The Saints declined the 2022 first-round pick’s fifth-year option this offseason. He’ll be a free agent after the 2025 campaign, but won’t let that be a distraction.

“I don’t look too much into it,” Penning said. “Just trying to play my best football and whatever happens, happens.”

Penning isn’t the only player going though a position change. Taliese Fuaga is back at right tackle, and New Orleans added Texas left tackle Kevlin Banks Jr. with the ninth overall pick. Penning said he has already seen progress with this unit.

“We’ve made some good strides. KB (Kelvin Banks Jr.) coming in, has done a great job so far. Erik (McCoy) has been that leader we need on the O-line, Cesar (Ruiz) is the same as that and Tali (Taliese Fuaga) has taken a huge step forward from last season, you can see the improvement. You can tell he has been working. Super excited for everyone,” Penning said.