The New Orleans Saints are trading defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for center Luke Fortner, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The trade was announced just hours after the Saints and Jaguars met for a preseason matchup.
Saunders, 29, spent the last two seasons with the Saints, accumulating 100 tackles and 2 sacks. Outside of being a starter for the defense during the previous two years, the seventh-year defensive tackle has developed into one of the more notable locker room presences.
The Saints have transformed their coaching staff and moved on from the coaching regime that initially brought Saunders in. The veteran defensive tackle likely became a trade candidate after the hiring of Brandon Staley, who has switched the defensive scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Saunders was no longer a scheme fit for New Orleans, and the team has worked to bring in the personnel that fit.
New Orleans drafted Texas defensive tackle Vernon Broughton with the 71st overall pick and traded for New England Patriots nose tackle Davon Godchaux. Other players, such as Khristian Boyd, have also stood out on tape during the preseason, making the move easier for the team.
The move won’t save New Orleans much cap space, as Saunders was due just $1.3 million for 2025.
Update: The Saints will be receiving center Luke Fortner in return for the trade.
