The Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints completed a rare one-for-one trade Sunday night, according to multiple reports. Veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders heads to Jacksonville, while offensive lineman Luke Fortner moves to New Orleans.
Reports: Saints trade DT Khalen Saunders to Jags for OL Luke Fortner

Key Takeaways:
- Jacksonville acquires veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders
- New Orleans receives offensive lineman Luke Fortner
- Multiple reports revealed the trade on Sunday night
- Story first appeared via Yardbarker and Field Level Media on 18 Aug 2025
Trade Basics
The Jacksonville Jaguars are acquiring veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders in a trade that sends offensive lineman Luke Fortner to the New Orleans Saints, according to multiple reports on Sunday night.
One-for-One Exchange
Team | Player Acquired | Position
————— | ————— | ——–
Jacksonville | Khalen Saunders | Defensive Tackle
New Orleans | Luke Fortner | Offensive Lineman
Timing and Source
“According to multiple reports on Sunday night,” the deal surfaced just hours before the new week began. The details were first circulated by Field Level Media and published by Yardbarker at 02:57 UTC on August 18, 2025.
Roster Impact
By swapping a defensive tackle for an offensive lineman, each franchise addresses a different area of the line of scrimmage. Saunders brings veteran presence to Jacksonville’s interior defense, while Fortner gives New Orleans additional protection up front.
What’s Next
No further terms were disclosed in the initial reports, and both teams will now integrate their newly acquired linemen as preparations continue for the upcoming NFL campaign.