Jaguars acquire Khalen Saunders from Saints for Luke Fortner

In a rare, players-for-players swap that highlighted the ongoing balance of roster needs in the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars acquired defensive tackle Khalen Saunders from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for center Luke Fortner. The deal, completed in the wake of a 17-17 preseason tie between the teams, immediately reshapes Jacksonville’s interior defensive line while opening a path for New Orleans to diversify its offensive line depth.

Saunders, 29, arrives in Jacksonville after winning two Super Bowls with Kansas City and serving as a steady rotational option who evolved into a full-time starter for the Saints. Over the past two seasons, he started most of New Orleans’ games, compiling 181 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and an interception, along with 57 tackles in 2023 and 43 in 2024. His compact frame and power-anchored play give him a reputation as a disruptive presence who can clog running lanes and, on passing downs, threaten interior pockets. Jaguars coaches and front-office staff have described Saunders as a veteran presence who can bring interior stability to a defense that aims to grow younger players into reliable contributors.

Fortner, a 2022 third-round pick, had been the...