New Orleans, LA – In a surprising turn of events, the New Orleans Saints traded defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, August 17, 2025, mere hours after the two teams faced off in a preseason game that ended in a 17-17 tie at the Caesars Superdome. The trade, which saw the Saints acquire Jaguars’ center Luke Fortner in a player-for-player swap, has sparked buzz in the NFL community for its timing and implications for both teams.

The Trade: A Same-Day Swap

Khalen Saunders, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, started for the Saints in their Week 2 preseason matchup against the Jaguars. By the end of the day, he was no longer a Saint, having been traded to the very team he faced on the field. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Jaguars sent center Luke Fortner to New Orleans in exchange for Saunders, with the deal pending physicals for both players. The trade marks a rare instance of a player-for-player swap occurring on the same day the teams competed, a scenario described as “like seeing a bald eagle” in the NFL.

Saunders, 29, is entering his seventh NFL season. A third-round pick by the Chiefs in 2019, he spent four seasons in Kansas City before joining the Saints in 2023 on a three-year, $12.3 million contract. Over the past two seasons, Saunders started 27 of 30 games for New Orleans, recording 100 combined tackles (42 solo), four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a memorable 37-yard interception return against the Chiefs in 2024. His interception, where the 325-pound defensive tackle rumbled up the field after picking off Patrick Mahomes, was a highlight of the Saints’ season.

Luke Fortner, also 29, was a third-round pick by the Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft. He started all 34 games for Jacksonville in his first two seasons but was relegated to a reserve role in 2024 after the team signed veteran Mitch Morse and added rookie Jonah Monheim. Fortner appeared in all 17 games last season, primarily on special teams, and brings valuable experience to a Saints offensive line dealing with injuries, including a season-ending Lisfranc injury to center Will Clapp.

Why the Trade Happened

For the Saints, the move reflects a shift in defensive strategy and roster priorities. Under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, New Orleans has transitioned to a 3-4 defense, making Saunders expendable. The team bolstered its defensive line during the offseason by trading for Davon Godchaux from New England and drafting Vernon Broughton in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. These additions, coupled with the presence of Nathan Shepherd and Bryan Bresee, reduced Saunders’ role, as the Saints’ defensive tackle unit ranked a dismal 31st in the NFL last season, allowing 141.4 rush yards per game.

The acquisition of Fortner addresses a critical need for the Saints, whose offensive line has been plagued by injuries. New head coach Kellen Moore, known for building a dominant run game in Philadelphia, sees Fortner as a versatile piece who can provide depth and stability at center. Fortner’s experience as a starter and his ability to play multiple positions will support running back Alvin Kamara and protect New Orleans’ young quarterbacks, including Spencer Rattler, who led a game-tying touchdown drive in the preseason clash.

For the Jaguars, Saunders fills a pressing need on the defensive line, which has been hampered by injuries to key players like Arik Armstead (back) and Maason Smith (calf). Jacksonville recently signed veterans Dawuane Smoot and Austin Johnson to address depth issues, but Saunders’ proven track record and playoff experience make him a valuable addition. He joins a defensive tackle group that includes Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, and young players like Jordan Jefferson and Maason Smith. Saunders, who is in the final year of his contract with a $2.5 million cap hit, will compete for a rotational role and bring veteran leadership to a Jaguars team looking to rebound under head coach Liam Coen.

Reaction and Impact

The trade caught attention for its unusual timing, with Saunders himself reacting on X, posting “Wow #DUUUUUVALLLLLLLLL” to express his excitement about joining the Jaguars. Fans and analysts alike noted the irony of Saunders starting against Jacksonville only to switch sidelines hours later. Posts on X highlighted his athleticism, with one user joking that the Jaguars might “need to give Khalen Saunders the rock” after his interception return last season.

For the Saints, the trade earns a slight edge in evaluations, with analysts giving them a B+ grade for addressing a critical need at center while moving a player who was likely to be a reserve. The Jaguars, graded a B, gain a seasoned defensive tackle who can compete for snaps and mentor younger players, though the loss of Fortner leaves their offensive line thinner.

Looking Ahead

The trade sets the stage for both teams as they approach the 2025 regular season. For New Orleans, Fortner’s arrival provides much-needed depth as they aim to establish a strong run game under Moore’s offensive vision. For Jacksonville, Saunders’ experience and versatility bolster a defensive line desperate for stability. As both teams prepare for their final preseason games, the swap underscores the unpredictable nature of NFL roster moves, even in the midst of a game week.