Saints sign DT Kahlil Saunders

The New Orleans Saints are signing defensive tackle Kahlil Saunders, per Nick Underhill.

Saunders, 23, went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft before signing with the Miami Dolphins. The former Kentucky Wildcat played five seasons in college and was a four-year starter.

Saunders is an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, and is a depth piece for the team after injuries have plagued the defensive line. Bryan Bresee will miss the entire season with a torn ACL, and recent injuries to Davon Godchaux and John Ridgeway III.

Kahlil Saunders is a DT prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 8.57 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 327 out of 2278 DT from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/L5af5ZLlLwpic.twitter.com/nB4ciYYg6D

- RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 19, 2026

Saunders scored an 8.43 RAS score and has tremendous upside for his size. Through his five seasons with the Wildcats, the 6-foot-5 defensive tackle logged 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 77 tackles.

Saunders has a long path to making the final roster as an undrafted free agent, but with injuries to the defensive line, he'll likely see increased playing time in the preseason and a better chance to make a name for himself.