The Indianapolis Colts have had a solid two weeks. They had a bye week for Week 11 on the heels of a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin. Despite the break in playing time, the Colts are still first in the AFC South division and second in ClutchPoints’ Power Rankings.
A couple of new reports reveal that the Colts were hot after defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, who was recently released by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Indianapolis Colts Had ‘Strong Interest’ In Khalen Saunders
Earlier on Monday, November 17, 2025, one report revealed that the Colts were among several teams interested in adding the defensive tackle.
“Veteran DT Khalen Saunders has received strong interest from multiple teams — including the Ravens, Colts, Jets, and Cardinals — since being released by the Jaguars last week,” Jordan Schultz wrote on social media on November 17, 2025. “He’ll begin taking visits and is expected to sign sooner rather than later.”
Saunders found himself with the Jaguars after a summer trade. In August, he was dealt by the New Orleans Saints in exchange for center Luke Fortner.
Fast forward to the regular season, and the Jaguars put Saunders on waivers only a few short days ago. On November 13, Mike Moraitis of The Sporting News reported the news.
“According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Jaguars are cutting ties with defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, who will now go to waivers,” Moraitis wrote. “Saunders entered the league as a third-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 and won a pair of Super Bowls with the team during his four-year stint.”
It makes sense that the Colts would have interest in Saunders. After all, DeForest Buckner is currently on the shelf with injury and isn’t returning soon. However, head coach Shane Steichen hopes to have him play again this year.
Saunders Agrees to Contract With New York Jets Over Other Suitors
Any hopes of the Colts adding Saunders to their team were swiftly thwarted once he decided to sign elsewhere. Another report that was released shortly after Schultz’s revealed that Saunders had decided to sign in New York.
“Veteran DT Khalen Saunders is expected to sign with the Jets, per sources,” Tom Pelissero wrote on November 17. “The two-time Super Bowl champion is the latest veteran addition in New York, where Aaron Glenn is working to the build the culture.”
The New York Jets traded Sauce Gardner to the Colts at the trade deadline. This created a hole on their defensive line. Unfortunately for the Colts, the promise of opportunity appears to be more important to Saunders than the potential of winning.
Saunders has only played in two games this season, collecting three assisted tackles in the process. On the other hand, Buckner had recorded 42 tackles including four sacks in nine games before suffering a neck injury.
It would be prudent of the Colts to add a Buckner replacement. However, they will need to look elsewhere to find one.
The Colts are gearing up to face the 5-5 Kansas City Chiefs for Week 12 on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The game will be broadcast at 1 PM Eastern Standard Time on Sunday.
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