The Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints struck a trade mere hours after playing to a 17-17 tie in Sunday's preseason game. Veteran DT Khalen Saunders, a two-time Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, is on his way to Jacksonville, where he can shore up Anthony Campanile's pass rush, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Trade! The #Saints are sending veteran DT Khalen Saunders to the #Jaguars, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 18, 2025
Saunders started for New Orleans in today’s preseason game against Jacksonville … and now is joining them. pic.twitter.com/Zx9w5uF5Jb
Saunders appeared in 13 games (10 starts) for the Saints last season, his second with the organization. He tallied 43 tackles, five QB hits and two sacks. He also pulled out this incredible 37-yard interception return, one of the few highlights from an otherwise dour campaign in New Orleans.
The Khalen Sanders moment was an amazing play. It was not an angry run.
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) October 8, 2024
pic.twitter.com/xmI2fu6nQr
While Saunders was probably a reserve in New Orleans this season, he walks into a prime opportunity with the Jaguars. He can compete for reps with the likes of Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton, neither of whom project as above-average starters at this stage in their careers.
Jaguars acquire Khalen Saunders from Saints hours after preseason matchup
The Saints will acquire Jacksonville's backup center, Luke Fortner, in a direct one-for-one player swap, per Tom Pelissero.
This is a clear example of the Jags looking to address a need.Saunders isn't a day-one starter for the Jags, but he'll compete for a consistent role. He also brings valuable experience to a young team, having gone the distance multiple times with an experienced Chiefs D-line. That corporate knowledge should benefit the Jags youngsters and they look to turn this franchise around under Liam Coen.
Saunders, 29, is in the final year of his contract, worth $2.5 million. Given the low price point, this is a fairly low-risk addition for the Jags, especially with Fortner's reps drying up.
Saints add valuable O-line depth in Khalen Saunders trade
Like Jacksonville, the Saints reroute resources from a position of strength to a position of weakness. Fortner has not missed a single game since arriving in Jacksonville as a rookie three years ago. He started all 34 games in his first two seasons. After being relegated to a reserve role in 2024, however, the Jags felt it was time to move on.
New Saints coach Kellen Moore has a Super Bowl-winning vision for how to execute offensively. He built a dominant group in Philadelphia, rooted in a strong run game. That strong run game was a product of Saquon Barkley, yes, but it was also a direct result of Philadelphia's elite offensive line.
Moore is working with young quarterbacks and an extremely limited pass-catching corps. As such, he needs Alvin Kamara and the run game to carry water. Fortner brings starting experience at center and is malleable across different positions. He should help New Orleans keep the pocket clean and open up running lanes for Kamara, which is more essential than Saunders' contributions in a reserve role.