The Jacksonville Jaguars’ interior defensive line has primarily utilized a four-man rotation this season. Starters Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton have started each game, playing the most and second-most snaps at 68% and 48%. Meanwhile, backups Maason Smith and Austin Johnson have appeared in eight games, playing the third and fourth-most snaps at 31% and 21%, respectively.
Jacksonville Jaguars’ training camp trade acquisition is the odd man out
Jacksonville Jaguars, Khalen Saunders
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Khalen Saunders (68) warms up during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 18th and final training camp practice at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Wednesday August 20, 2025. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
The Jaguars acquired Khalen Saunders from the Saints in late August. The two-time Super Bowl champion is the odd man out in the rotation, as he has been a healthy scratch in seven of the nine games and only played when Maason Smith missed Week 1 and Austin Johnson missed Week 10. Saunders has recorded three tackles across 25 defensive snaps.
Jacksonville Jaguars reveal fate of 2x-Super Bowl champion
Jacksonville Jaguars, Khalen Saunders
Sep 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Khalen Saunders Sr. (96) takes the field prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Jaguars have released Khalen Saunders after only playing two games for them. Since he was released after the NFL Trade Deadline, he is subject to the waiver wire for the next 24 hours. Once he clears waivers, Saunders is free to sign wherever and hopes to land with a Super Bowl contender.
The Jaguars are releasing veteran DT Khalen Saunders, per source.
A two-time Super Bowl champion in Kansas City, Saunders now heads to waivers with a chance to help another contender in a playoff push. pic.twitter.com/IFYI1O7iy6
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 13, 2025
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