Skip to main content

New Orleans Saints

Advertising

Saints News | New Orleans Saints | NewOrleansSaints.com

Five things to know about New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders

Played offense and defense in college, had rushing and receiving touchdowns

Mar 17, 2023 at 02:22 PM

John DeShazier

Senior Writer

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Five things to know about New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.

Saunders-Khalen

Khalen Saunders

#50 DT

Height: 6-0
Weight: 324 lbs
College: Western Illinois

Received only one Division I scholarship offer, from Western Illinois. Played offense and defense there, and recorded a rushing and receiving touchdown.
He and his wife have a daughter who was born in 2019 while he was at the Senior Bowl.
Helped Kansas City win two Super Bowls, including the most recent one, Super Bowl LVII against Philadelphia. He had two tackles and a sack in the 38-35 victory.
Had 3.5 of his career 4.5 sacks last season. Also had career high 48 tackles, three tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits in 2022.
Started five of 38 games in four seasons with the Chiefs.

Related Links

Khalen Saunders joins the New Orleans Saints | Meet the Team Photos

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Thumbnail-LogoBlk-2560x1440-050118

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

1 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

David J. Phillip/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

2 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Reed Hoffmann/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

3 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Peter Aiken/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

4 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Alex Menendez/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

5 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Ed Zurga/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

6 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Ed Zurga/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

7 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Reed Hoffmann/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

8 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Rick Scuteri/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

9 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

10 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Bart Young/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

11 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Matt Patterson/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

12 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Reed Hoffmann/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

13 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Ed Zurga/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

14 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Peter Aiken/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

15 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Reed Hoffmann/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

16 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Reed Hoffmann/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

17 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

David Becker/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

18 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Rick Scuteri/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

19 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

David Becker/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

20 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Rick Scuteri/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

21 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

John Locher/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

22 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Reed Hoffmann/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

23 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Ben Liebenberg/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

24 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Brynn Anderson/AP Images

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

25 / 25

New Orleans Saints announced that they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders on Friday, March 17, 2023. Check out Khalen in action with the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career.

Ross D. Franklin/AP Images

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

Related Content

Taysom Hill named FedEx Air & Ground NFL Player of the Week nominee for Week 11

Hill tallied three touchdowns on seven carries in the Week 11 victory over the Cleveland Browns

New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy appears to have avoided major injury in win over Cleveland

"I think it's probably a good thing we have a bye week this week, but I think Erik's going to be OK"

New Orleans Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi has saturated team with his '1/11th'

Two games into his tenure, Rizzi doing everything he can to make sure team is getting his message

Taysom Hill forcefully leads New Orleans Saints offense against Cleveland

Hill ran for three touchdowns, totaled 230 all-purpose yards

New Orleans Saints achieve another 1-0 week with complementary football

Offense erupted for 21 points in fourth quarter, defense shone in situational football

Jahri Evans adds another prestigious achievement, Saints Ring of Honor, to his decorated career

Longtime right guard will be honored at halftime Sunday

New Orleans Saints defense planning not-so-warm welcome for former Saints quarterback

'I'm expecting a few moon balls. I know he's going to take a few shots'

New Orleans Saints defense finished what it started, looks to build on the momentum

Defense had given up three fourth-quarter leads before stopping Falcons

New Orleans Saints offense revives explosive play abilities, seeks carryover for Sunday's game

Saints were able to unearth a missing element to the offense against Falcons

Darren Rizzi will keep it fresh for New Orleans Saints players

'I want the guys walking in here every day thinking about, 'What's next''

Cornerback Alontae Taylor eager to make outside his full-time home in New Orleans Saints defense

With Lattimore traded and Adebo hurt, Taylor moves to outside spot

Alvin Kamara hoping the small things lead to a big result for New Orleans Saints

Saints trying to end seven-game losing streak Sunday against Falcons

Advertising