Report: Saints sign another rookie DT after recent free agent tryouts

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Report: Saints sign another rookie DT after recent free agent tryouts

Report: Saints sign another rookie DT after recent free agent tryouts

Arye Pulli, Saints Wire · Saints Wire

Wed, Aug 12, 2026 ·

1 min read

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The New Orleans Saints are adding another young player to their defensive line. Rookie defensive tackle Kahlil Saunders is signing with the Saints, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football first reported Wednesday. Saunders was among the group of defensive players who worked out for the Saints last Friday . Evidently, he showed the coaching staff enough during that workout to earn a place on the training camp roster.

Saunders' signing comes shortly after DT Bryan Bresee suffered a torn ACL during training camp and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. While Saunders isn't a direct replacement for Bresee, one of New Orleans ' top defensive linemen, his absence created a need for additional depth and bodies along the interior in camp. The Saints also signed former Florida defensive tackle Brien Taylor Jr. from that same free agent tryout after waiving backups Keeshawn Silver and Zxavian Harris, both of whom were dealing with injuries .

The Kentucky product signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft. Miami waived him around the start of training camp when they signed veteran edge rusher Clelin Ferrell .

Saunders appeared in 51 games during his college career, recording 77 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. The six-foot-five, 270-pound defender started in all 12 games for Kentucky last season, finishing with 29 tackles and two sacks. He'll now receive a late opportunity to compete for a reserve role or a place on the Saints' practice squad. The corresponding roster move has not yet been reported.