Jaguars beef up middle of their defense by acquiring player they just went up against in preseason Week 2
Jacksonville has acquired DT Khalen Saunders in a trade with the Saints.
The Jaguars faced New Orleans in a Week 2 preseason game on Sunday that ended in a 17-17 tie. Just hours later, Jacksonville has acquired a Saints player via trade.
According to a report from Tom Pelissero, the Jags have acquired veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders from New Orleans in exchange for center Luke Fortner.
Saunders was a third-round draft pick by the Chiefs back in 2019. He was a great rotational player for Kansas City during the first four years of his career, and captured two Super Bowl rings while with the franchise.
Saunders signed a three-year contract with the Saints in 2023, starting every game and recording a career-high 57 total tackles. A to Z Sports Saints beat writer Adam Holt broke down how Saunders performed in 2024 and what the Jags can expect from him in 2025.
“Saunders was a starter for New Orleans last season but saw his play hit another small decline. He wasn’t as effective against the run from his spot inside (49.2 run defense grade per PFF). This move also follows a strong preseason showing from a young player like Khristian Boyd.
“For the Jags, they can expect Saunders (29 years old) to come in and immediately make an impact on the locker room as a leader but they may want to temper expectations if there’s any hopes for him to carve out an impactful starting role. The veteran defensive tackle is fine depth and didn’t cost them very much whatsoever in this deal.”
Saunders also made this highlight play against his former team in the Chiefs last season.
As for Fortner, he got lost in the shuffle on Jacksonville’s offensive line depth chart during the offseason, and just wasn’t progressing as much as the team would like. Regardless of what Saunders ends up being on the field, you can count on him bringing high energy and effort each day. He’s already given Jags fans a shoutout on X.
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