JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hours after the clubs’ preseason game on Sunday, Khalen Saunders, a defensive tackle and two-time Super Bowl winner, was moved from New Orleans to Jacksonville, according to a person familiar with the transaction.
Since neither team announced the swap right away, the individual talked to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Earlier in the day, the teams played to a 17-all draw in the Superdome. According to the source, the deal was anticipated to be finalized when Saunders cleared a physical examination in Jacksonville.
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After spending four years in Kansas City, where he won two titles, Saunders started 27 games for the Saints in the final two seasons. After the Saints signed New England free agent Davon Godchaux and moved to a 3-4 defensive under coordinator Brandon Staley, he was no longer valuable in New Orleans.
Saunders, a 2019 third-round pick, has played in 68 games and recorded 181 tackles and 6 1/2 sacks. In a defeat in Kansas City last season, he famously intercepted a pass from former teammate Patrick Mahomes.
Since the start of training camp, the Jaguars have been searching for assistance at the interior defensive line. Young backups Tyler Lacy and Jordan Jefferson have not been particularly strong up front, while defensive tackles Arik Armstead (back) and Maason Smith (calf) have not yet played.
In an attempt to find a remedy, Jacksonville recently signed veterans Austin Johnson and Dawuane Smoot.
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