When Arik Armstead and Maason Smith returned to practice, it looked like the Jacksonville Jaguars were set at defensive tackle. However, that doesn't appear to be the case based on their latest move.
Just hours after the 17-17 tie with the New Orleans Saints, the Jags are reportedly acquiring defensive tackle Khalen Sanders from them, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.
This was most definitely unexpected news, leaving aside the timing of the transaction. After all, Jacksonville had just activated Smith from the Physically Unable to Perform list, and Arik Armstead had returned to practice after missing the majority of training camp with a back injury.
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What are the Jacksonville Jaguars getting in Khalen Saunders?
A third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2019, he appeared in 68 games with 32 starts, logging 6.5 sacks, six passes defensed, and one interception. He signed a three-year deal worth $14.5 million in 2023. However, the Western Illinois native went on to have an underwhelming year. He might've had a better 2024 season, but it might not have been enough for the Saints to keep him around.
Circling back to Saunders' interception, it was the talk of the town, as he showed great balance and the ability to run despite his size.
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
Given that the Jaguars are giving up compensation to trade for Saunders, they surely plan to keep him around for the 2025 season. That means that the defensive tackle depth chart could suffer changes in the upcoming days.
In fact, there's a strong chance the team's brass will free up a roster spot to make room for Saunders. Who'll get the boot? That remains to be seen.
The Jaguars trade for Khalen Saunders may not be great for Maason Smith or Arik Armstead
When the Jaguars were without Arik Armstead and Maason Smith, the defensive front looked underwhelming. Both of them are back in the fold but may not be ready for the season opener. Knowing the depth behind them doesn't look great, the Jags didn't hesitate to acquire Khalen Saunders.
It's hard to tell what kind of role Saunders will have with Jacksonville, but it's fair to assume that he'll be part of their interior rotation at worst. And if either Smith or Armstead isn't ready for Week 1 of the regular season, he could get the starting nod against the Carolina Panthers.
Hindsight is 20/20, but there's no doubt that the Jaguars should've made upgrades at defensive tackle in the offseason, but they didn't. At least they realized they should've been more active and have now traded for Khalen Saunders.
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