The New Orleans Saints pulled off a preseason shock, sending Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Luke Fortner. Saunders, who started for New Orleans last season, had slipped a bit against the run (49.2 PFF grade) and was visible during a recent preseason tilt with Jacksonville. In return, the Saints add Fortner, a versatile interior blocker who has anchored the Jaguars’ line. The move immediately reshapes the Saints’ interior DL depth, even as they lean on Nathan Shepherd and Khristian Boyd to fill the void.

Jacksonville gains a veteran starter for a preseason game-day swap, while New Orleans gains a line stabilizer on the inside. For fantasy fans, it’s a reminder that depth-chart shakeups can influence snap splits and rotation, even before the regular season. The Saints’ shift signals a broader evaluation of run defense personnel, and the Jaguars’ acquisition injects a more immediate interior presence for quarterback protection and short-yardage power plays.

The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2025-26 NFL season, set to kick off on September 7 against the Arizona Cardinals. Khristian Boyd, wearing number 97, will be pivotal in enhancing the team’s defensive line as he enters his second season. The legacy of this jersey number is rich, with past notable players like La'Roi Glover and Renaldo Turnbull shaping the team's defense over the years.

Glover, who wore 97 from 1997 to 2001, ranks among the franchise's elite, holding the single-season sack record with 17 in 2000. Turnbull, another former standout, achieved a career-high of 13 sacks in his Pro Bowl season. Boyd will strive to revive this jersey’s historical impact after the Saints struggled against the run without Malcolm Roach last season.

As the countdown to the New Orleans Saints' 2025 season opener reaches 97 days, fans are reminded of the significance of the number 97 in franchise history. Currently worn by defensive tackle Khristian Boyd, this number has seen its share of legendary players like La'Roi Glover and Renaldo Turnbull, alongside busts like Johnathan Sullivan.

Boyd, drafted in the sixth round from Northern Iowa, aims to continue the legacy of excellence associated with No. 97. Previous holders include Malcolm Roach, Mario Edwards, and Al-Quadin Muhammad, marking a mix of memorable contributions and cautionary tales. With the past players’ performances in mind, Boyd has a unique opportunity to redefine the number's legacy as the team prepares for another season.

As the countdown to the Saints' upcoming season continues, the spotlight today is on Khristian Boyd, the team's second-year defensive tackle. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Boyd is positioned to be a significant contributor in Brandon Staley's defense in his sophomore year. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 320 pounds, he brings a strong athletic profile with a Relative Athletic Score of 4.63.

Boyd's college career at Northern Iowa was highlighted by his impressive statistics, including nine sacks and 24 tackles for loss across 49 games. His contributions earned him a spot on the 2nd Team All-Conference in 2022. As he prepares for the 2025 season, Boyd's development and fit in the defensive scheme will be critical for the Saints' success against formidable opponents like the Arizona Cardinals.

The New Orleans Saints are set to face the Green Bay Packers without wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is sidelined due to illness. This comes after he struggled with flu symptoms earlier in the week.

In his absence, the Saints will likely rely on a mix of players including Tipton, Pettis, Austin, and Wilson, as well as tight ends Moreau and Johnson to enhance their offensive strategy.