The New York Jets have had a lot of movement at the defensive tackle position during the 2025 NFL season and the latest one revolves around Khalen Saunders.
Saunders, 29, was recently waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars leading to his signing in New York. Bouncing around the NFL is something Saunders knows well and now he’s with the Green and White.
Sanders could quickly see the field, so you’ll want to get to know him.
Here are five things to know about the Jets’ new defensive lineman:
Sanders was a third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 out of Western Illinois.
Going to Chiefs eventually made him a two-time Super Bowl Champion. That alone is experience the Jets will want.
The name
Step one: Name.
Saunders’ Twitter handle says it all: @khalenNOTkaylen.
It’s pronounced like “Colin.”
Played some offense
In college, Sanders evidently lined up on offense and found the end zone. Not only that, Sanders had both rushing and receiving scores.
That’s versatility.
Has an interception
In his NFL career, Sanders has 6.5 sacks, 184 tackles, including seven for loss, with six passes defended including an… interception?
Sanders picked off quarterback Patrick Mahomes on this pla:
Picked the Jets
The Jets got Sanders… because he wanted New York. After he became a free agent, Sanders reportedly had options from other teams but still selected the Jets.
Sources: Veteran DT Khalen Saunders has received strong interest from multiple teams — including the Ravens, Colts, Jets and Cardinals — since being released by the Jaguars last week.
He’ll begin taking visits and is expected to sign sooner rather than later. pic.twitter.com/kpsvXO3syG
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 17, 2025