Will the New York Jets' newest addition up front help the defense this season after the departure of star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams?
The New York Jets, despite posting a measly 2-8 record so far in the 2025 NFL season, are continuing their efforts to build a proper culture under head coach Aaron Glenn.
Earlier this week, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Jets signed veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders prior to the team’s Week 12 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Saunders, a former third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, played a key role in the team’s journey to a Super Bowl victory back in 2022.
During that run, the veteran defensive tackle recorded 48 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two stuffs in 16 games. However, with his contract set to expire following the conclusion of the 2023 season, the Chiefs decided to trade Saunders to the New Orleans Saints.
The trade would unfortunately not work out in the Saints' favor, as the now 29-year-old tallied 42 tackles and two sacks in his two seasons with the organization. Saunders’ struggles would continue into the 2025 season, as he played in just two games with the Jacksonville Jaguars and recorded only three tackles.
Now, Saunders has an opportunity to prove himself on a defense that lacks firepower after the Jets’ massive fire sale at the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline. General manager Darren Mougey would trade star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a slew of picks and former 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith.
Looking at the starting defensive tackles for New York, the duo of Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs has been adequate since the departure of Williams, but it’s clear that the Jets need an extra rotational piece up front.
While Saunders may not be the solution to fixing the Jets’ defensive issues up front, his veteran leadership could be beneficial for the team’s young tackles of Briggs and Smith.
Since being selected on day one of the 2023 Draft, Smith has failed to reach the high expectations set for him. Adding Saunders to the mix would put less pressure on Smith, while also giving him another veteran to learn from alongside Phillips.
Ideally, the Jets would use one of their top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to fill this void next season. This would also allow for the team to roll out a four-headed monster next year, featuring Phillips, Briggs, Smith, and a rookie.