After spending the past two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, the team could trade defensive tackle Khalen Saunders this 2025 campaign. While there aren’t any concrete rumors of Saunders in a possible trade, one source believes he’s on the trade block since the Saints are probably entering a rebuilding year. This seems odd as Saints’ General Manager Mickey Loomis refuses to rebuild, but no one should rule it out, as Saunders is entering the final year of his contract. After trading for another defensive tackle, Davon Godchaux, this might signal that the Saints might be heading in a different direction.
Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Western Illinois product spent the first three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, but hasn’t been the most productive along their defensive line. The Saints have a deep group of trench guys on defense, so either him or Nathan Shepherd could be one of the several players that might be on the trade block. Saunders isn’t the most exciting defensive tackle in the league, but he could garner a possible late draft pick if possible. For now, the defensive tackle will battle it out with Godchaux, but if they endure another losing season, it might be best for the two to part ways in a trade.
Report: Saints Could Trade Former Third Round Pick Khalen Saunders – 4 Possible Fits
Best Possible Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
Between Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones and Broderick Washington, the Baltimore Ravens need a major upgrade in the trench room. The team signing Yannick Ngakoue last year was proof that they need help. Saunders isn’t the final solution that the Ravens should be looking for, but at least it gives Madubuike some breathing room to share the same line as Saunders to be another body. The defense is one of the best when they get more depth, and Saunders might be the one.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, it has been a disappointing offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers, given that they haven’t really upgraded the defense. They can’t expect Da’Shawn Hand, Teair Tart and Khalil Mack to be their main contributors for the defensive pass-rush. Otito Ogbonnia has unproven abilities, so why not at least invest in another defensive lineman who has some untapped potential? The Chargers have the cap space for it, and Saunders might not be the best out there, but it should give them some type of relief.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Carolina Panthers heavily invested in a defense that could allow quarterback Bryce Young plenty of opportunities on the field. Tershawn Wharton will be the starter for the defensive tackle position, but he could always use backup. Derrick Brown is returning this season after suffering a gruesome injury last year, so they might as well get all of the weapons they can get to build one of the most dominant defensive lines.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys always love investing in medium-risk players, and Saunders could be one of those athletes. Osa Odighizuwa is returning on a new long-term deal, but the line doesn’t look too promising, at least with Solomon Thomas. He’s more of a journeyman and would benefit from Saunders’s presence.
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