Saints trade Saunders for Fortner

New Orleans sends veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to Jacksonville in exchange for center Luke Fortner, a move that reshapes line depth for both teams.

Saints trade DT Khalen Saunders to Jaguars for C Luke Fortner

New Orleans is trading defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to Jacksonville in exchange for center Luke Fortner, according to NFL Network reports. Saunders, 29, started the Saints' most recent preseason game but did not post any stats. He is entering the final year of a contract that carries a $1.3 million base salary. Fortner, 27, has appeared in all 51 games since the Jaguars drafted him in 2022 and is on a one year deal worth $1.150 million after taking a pay cut this offseason. The Saints needed center depth after Will Clapp suffered a season ending foot injury, and the trade allows Torricelli Simpkins to move back to guard.

For Jacksonville, the move adds a veteran interior presence to support its run defense and short yardage packages. Fortner has started every game in his first two seasons, giving the Jaguars a reliable option as it looks to stabilize the interior front. Saunders brings playoff experience from his time with Kansas City and could contribute to a rotation along the defensive line as New Orleans reshapes its depth chart.

The trade reflects a broader NFL pattern of prioritizing depth and cap discipline over big name upgrades. Fortner on a short one year deal reduces long term risk for the Jaguars, while Saunders provides a veteran body with playoff pedigree at a reasonable cost for a Saints team rebuilding its interior rotation. The move also shows how injuries press teams to reshuffle positions quickly; allowing Simpkins to return to guard answers an immediate depth need for New Orleans. Overall, this swap signals a pragmatic approach to roster building where reliable role players are valued as much as flashy acquisitions.

Highlights

The trenches will tell the story as teams approach the regular season.