Moments after a preseason contest, the New Orleans Saints agreed to trade two-time Super Bowl champion defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for center Luke Fortner, according to people familiar with the negotiations. The move reshapes both teams’ interior lines as the regular season approaches.
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Saints trade DT Saunders to Jaguars for C Fortner following preseason game, AP sources say
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Key Takeaways:
- New Orleans trades DT Khalen Saunders to Jacksonville.
- Jacksonville sends C Luke Fortner to the Saints.
- Deal was struck immediately after a preseason game.
- Saunders brings two Super Bowl rings to the Jaguars’ locker room.
- The information comes from two people familiar with the talks, per the Associated Press.
Immediate Post-Game Deal
The swap came swiftly on the heels of a preseason game, underscoring how rapidly NFL rosters can change in August. Two people familiar with the negotiations confirmed the agreement to the Associated Press.
Who’s Moving Where
Khalen Saunders, a defensive tackle who owns two Super Bowl rings, departs New Orleans for Jacksonville. Heading the other direction is center Luke Fortner, expected to bolster the Saints’ interior offensive line.
How the Deal Emerged
Details of the trade surfaced through individuals with knowledge of the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams had not announced the move publicly.
Why the Swap Matters
The Jaguars fortify their defensive front with a proven champion, while the Saints address depth at center—a critical position as the regular season looms.
Championship Pedigree
Saunders’ résumé features a pair of Super Bowl victories, experience that Jacksonville hopes will translate into leadership on and off the field.
What’s Next
Both players are set to report to their new clubs as training camp winds down, giving coaches a brief window to integrate them before Week 1.
