Saints Signing DT Khalen Saunders

In a relatively quick span, the Saints have addressed some of their holes on the defensive line.

Author:
John Hendrix
Publish date:
Mar 15, 2023 11:36 AM EDT

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The Saints were in need of revamping their defensive interior after losing some key players to other teams and having others set to hit free agency. They've now added two, with the second being Khalen Saunders. The news was first reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, and is a three-year deal worth up to $14.5 million.

Saunders, a 6-foot, 324-pound interior lineman, is fresh off a Super Bowl ring with the Chiefs and is a two-time champion since being a third-round pick back in 2019. He had a sack and two tackles against the Eagles in the game. Saunders had a career-high 3.5 sacks, 48 total tackles, and 8 QB hits last season, appearing in 16 games for Kansas City.

New Orleans also added Nathan Shepherd, formerly of the Jets. This now gives them three defensive tackles on the roster, joining Prince Emili on the interior. Expect the Saints to keep looking here, and it isn't entirely out of the question to see them look to the draft at picks 29 and 40.