Khalen Saunders’ Viral Backflip Stuns NFL Fans—Watch the Chiefs DT’s Gravity-Defying Highlight Now

Breaking Down the Khalen Saunders Trade to Jacksonville A surprise roster shake-up hit the NFL on Sunday evening when the New Orleans Saints agreed to trade veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars, multiple outlets reported within minutes of each other. The move ends Saunders’ two-year stay in New Orleans and adds proven interior muscle to a Jaguars front seven already brimming with young edge talent. Cap Relief for New Orleans, Immediate Upgrade for Jacksonville According to initial contract figures, New Orleans will save roughly $1.3 million against the 2025 salary cap and more than $2.2 million in 2026 by off-loading the final two seasons of the 27-year-old’s deal. Jacksonville inherits a manageable base salary and no guaranteed money beyond 2025, giving general manager Trent Baalke flexibility while satisfying an urgent need for interior run defense. Why the Jaguars Wanted Him Now Jacksonville finished 24th in yards allowed per carry last season and lacked a true space-eater next to nose tackle DaVon Hamilton. Saunders brings that profile plus uncommon athleticism for a 324-pound defender, traits that helped him carve out a rotational role on two Super Bowl–winning Kansas City Chiefs squads before signing with the Saints in 2023. Saunders by the Numbers • 2024 season (Saints): 43 total tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception returned 37 yards in Week 5 at Kansas City • Career: 181 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 6 pass breakups, 1 Super Bowl LIV and LVII ring Scheme Fit in Duval Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who coached Saunders in New Orleans during the lineman’s breakout 2023 campaign, now reunites with the Western Illinois product in Jacksonville. Expect Nielsen to deploy Saunders as a 1-tech in early downs and a pocket-pusher on third-and-medium, where his quick first step can collapse the interior and free edge rushers Josh Allen and Travon Walker. What’s Next for the Saints? New Orleans is betting on second-year tackle Bryan Bresee and veteran Nathan Shepherd to absorb Saunders’ snaps. The front office could also target depth in the upcoming roster-cut waiver period, but the savings immediately help a cap-strapped club planning an extension for wide receiver Chris Olave. Fantasy and Betting Impact • Jaguars DST: Upgraded streaming option in Weeks 1-4 thanks to improved run defense. • Alvin Kamara rushing props vs. JAX in Week 11: Slight downgrade; Saunders knows New Orleans’ run concepts inside-out. • Saints sack totals: Mild downtick until Bresee proves he can finish plays inside. Key Dates • Jaguars preseason finale vs. Dolphins — Aug 24 • Regular-season opener at Texans — Sept 7 • Jaguars–Saints rematch (Week 11, Superdome) — Nov 17 Bottom Line Khalen Saunders’ combination of bowl-game pedigree, interior burst, and playoff experience fills a glaring hole for Jacksonville’s defense while giving New Orleans much-needed salary relief. If Saunders delivers the disruptive consistency he flashed in 2023, the Jaguars may have landed one of the summer’s quietest but most impactful acquisitions.