Preseason Week 2: Dolphins, Buccaneers win, Jaguars tie | 2MD
Travis Hunter did not play with an upper body injury as the Jaguars tied the Saints. The Dolphins and Bucs came away with wins in Preseason Week 2.
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded center Luke Fortner to the New Orleans Saints for defensive lineman Khalen Saunders.Saunders, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, is entering the final year of his three-year, $12.3 million contract.The Saints gain depth on the offensive line, while the Jaguars bolster their defensive front.
Last Night, NFL’s Media’s Tom Pelissero broke the news that the Jacksonville Jaguars are trading defensive lineman Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for center Luke Fortner as compensation.
Saunders, 29, started in Sunday’s preseason game against the Jaguars but did not record any stats. He was listed as the backup to Davon Godchaux, who was acquired by the Saints in an offseason trade with the Patriots.
This move comes after Saunders spent the past two seasons in New Orleans, following a four-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. With this trade, the Saints address depth along the offensive line, while the Jaguars add a veteran presence to their defensive front.
Here’s what to know about Khaulen Saunders as the newest member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
When was Khalen Saunders first drafted?
Saunders, was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Saunders spent four seasons with Kansas City, earning five starts, playing in 38 games. Saunders totaled 81 tackles, 4.5 sacks and three tackles for loss before signing with the Saints.
What was Khalen saunders’ original contract with the Saints — and how much is he set to earn in his final year?
Saunders signed a three-year, $12.3 million contract with the Saints. The deal included $6.6 million in guaranteed money. He is set to make $1.3 million in base salary this year, the final year of his contract.
Since joining the Saints, Saunders has started 27 games, playing in 30. He’s totaled 100 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception.
How many Super Bowls has the Jaguars’ new DL trade, Khalen Saunders, won?
Saunders has spent the past two seasons in New Orleans after four seasons in Kansas City. He won two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs.
How tall is Khalen Saunders and how much does he weigh?
Saunders is 6′ 0″ and weighs 324 lbs
How old is the Jaguars’ new DL trade?
Khalen Saunders was born in August 9, 1996. He recently turned 29.
Who is Khalen Saunders’ brother?
Khalen Saunders’ brother is Kameron Saunders. Kameron is a professional dancer and choreographer, notably known for his work as a backup dancer on Taylor Swift‘s Eras Tour.Â
When was Fortner originally drafted by the Jaguars?
Fortner was originally drafted by the Jaguars in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He started 34 games for the club before taking a backseat in 2024 to veteran Mitch Morse. The Jaguars addressed the position again this offseason, signing veteran Robert Hainsey, who is expected to start.
The team also drafted OL Jonah Monheim in the seventh round this year. Monheim has impressed at center and likely helped make Fortner more expendable.
Which team was was Luke Forter traded to?
According to Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis, the New Orleans Saints acquired offensive lineman Luke Fortner from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.
When does the NFL Season 2025-2026 start?
The 2025 NFL season marks the league’s 106th year, and it’s set to kick off on September 4. The season opener will feature the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Philadelphia Eagles, hosting the Dallas Cowboys in what’s sure to be a high-energy NFL Kickoff Game
Contributing: Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union.