Former Chiefs Lineman Gets New Team

Khalen Saunders, meet Jose Caballero.

In the middle of a July 31 game with Tampa Bay, the New York Yankees dipped into their opponent’s dugout to acquire Caballero in one of most efficient trades in sports history. The Rays pulled him from the game and he simply walked across the field to meet his new teammates.

Former Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders had a similar experience Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. Shortly after the Saints finished a 17-17 preseason tie with the Jaguars, New Orleans finalized a trade sending him to Jacksonville for center Luke Fortner. Saunders started the game and played into the second half. Hopefully, he didn’t trash talk Trevor Lawrence and his future teammates during the game.

Khalen Saunders, Trevor Lawrence — Nov 13, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

With the Chiefs

Saunders, likely playing for his job in New Orleans, now gets a fresh start for his seventh NFL season. A 6-0, 324-pound lineman out of Western Illinois, Saunders entered the league as the Chiefs’ third-round selection (84th overall) in the 2019 draft.

He played 38 games over his first four NFL seasons with the Chiefs, with five starts, 81 tackles (40 solo), 4½ sacks and two pass deflections. Late in the third quarter of Super Bowl 57, with Philadelphia threatening to increase its lead, Saunders sacked Jalen Hurts to help hold the Eagles to a field goal. Kansas City wound up winning, 38-35.

Three Super Bowl rings and unforgettable Arrowhead moment

Saunders also helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl 54 as a rookie in 2019. But midway through his sophomore NFL campaign, he dislocated his elbow and landed on season-ending injured reserve, sidelining him for Super Bowl 55 in Tampa Bay. He still owns three Super Bowl rings from his Kansas City tenure. He signed a three-year, $12.3 million contract with New Orleans as an unrestricted free agent in March 2023.

And while he began his career with the Chiefs, probably the most memorable game of his career came while visiting Arrowhead Stadium with the Saints. On a Monday night in Week 5 last season, he registered his first career interception, picking off Patrick Mahomes in the end zone late in the third quarter.

Saunders snatched the pass, deflected by Paulson Adebo, and raced 37 yards. According to Next Gen Stats, the big man reached 15.79 mph, third-fastest by a runner weighing more than 320 pounds since tracking began in 2016.

New #Jaguars DT Khalen Saunders won two Super Bowls with Kansas City, and had one of the NFL’s most improbable interception returns against them. pic.twitter.com/QZfQLfshCx https://t.co/47g8h4W6Kb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 18, 2025

And that’s not all. That night, Saunders and his family enjoyed a memorable pregame moment. His brother, Kameron, is a choreographer who performed on stage with Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour. Swift also was in attendance that night, a 26-13 Chiefs win.

Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (50) reacts after an interceptions during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Saunders, who grew up on the other side of Missouri in the St. Louis area, will provide important reinforcement for a Jaguars line hit hard by injuries to Arik Armstead and Maason Smith.

The Chiefs are likely to see Saunders on another Week 5 Monday night, this time on Oct. 6 in Jacksonville.

khalen Saunders, Patrick Mahomes — Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (50) after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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