The Jacksonville Jaguars just pulled off one of the more bizarre trades of the preseason, snatching up Khalen Saunders from the New Orleans Saints. The timing couldn’t be weirder — Saunders actually started for the Saints in today’s preseason game against Jacksonville before getting shipped to the team he was trying to beat.
Tom Pelissero broke the news with his signature efficiency: “Trade! The #Saints are sending veteran DT Khalen Saunders to the #Jaguars, per sources. Saunders started for New Orleans in today’s preseason game against Jacksonville … and now is joining them.” The absurdity of facing a team in the afternoon and joining them by evening showcases just how fluid NFL rosters become during preseason chaos.
Trade! The #Saints are sending veteran DT Khalen Saunders to the #Jaguars, per sources.
Saunders started for New Orleans in today’s preseason game against Jacksonville … and now is joining them. pic.twitter.com/Zx9w5uF5Jb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 18, 2025
Saunders brings legitimate pedigree to Jacksonville’s defensive line. The Western Illinois product spent his first four seasons with Kansas City, collecting two Super Bowl rings along the way. His 68 career games and 32 starts represent solid experience, even if his production hasn’t always jumped off the stat sheets. The Saints’ decision signals something deeper than roster trimming. Mickey Loomis has stubbornly refused to rebuild, but trading away a productive defensive tackle suggests cracks in that philosophy. With Nathan Shepherd and other defensive linemen potentially available, New Orleans might finally be acknowledging that their competitive window has closed. Jacksonville secures a proven veteran who knows how to win when it matters most, although the compensation package remains undisclosed for now.
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