Khalen Saunders Kept on Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs finalized their 53-man roster ahead of the 2024 NFL regular season—and later maintained it through midseason cuts—the team made a deliberate choice to hold onto defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, a move that has since proven critical to their defensive success. Saunders, a fifth-year player who joined the Chiefs in 2021, faced competition for a roster spot this offseason amid a deep group of defensive linemen, including rookies and free-agent additions. However, his consistent performance in training camp, versatility along the line, and track record of clutch plays in big games convinced the Chiefs’ coaching staff that he was too valuable to part with. Khalen Saunders Kept on Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs explores the reasons behind this decision, Saunders’ impact on the defense, and how he fits into the Chiefs’ long-term goal of competing for another Super Bowl.

Khalen Saunders Kept on Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs begins with the context of the Chiefs’ defensive line depth, which made Saunders’ roster spot initially uncertain. Entering training camp, the Chiefs had 10 defensive linemen vying for 6-7 spots, including established stars like Chris Jones and Frank Clark, free-agent signee D.J. Jones, and highly touted rookies like defensive tackle Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Saunders, who had played primarily as a rotational tackle over the past three seasons, faced pressure to stand out. He did just that: in preseason games, he recorded 8 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble, including a game-sealing sack against the Cleveland Browns in the final preseason contest. Beyond statistics, Saunders showcased his ability to play multiple roles—lining up at nose tackle to stop the run and at 3-technique to rush the passer—something few other linemen in the group could do. “Khalen came into camp with a chip on his shoulder, and it showed every day,” Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen said. “He didn’t just make plays—he made the kind of plays that win games. We knew we couldn’t let a player like that go.”

To understand why Khalen Saunders Kept on Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs was a strategic choice, it’s essential to examine his role in the Chiefs’ defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system relies on defensive tackles who can both clog run lanes and generate interior pressure—a balance that Saunders has mastered. As a run stopper, he uses his 6-foot-2, 324-pound frame to occupy double teams, freeing up linebackers like Willie Gay Jr. and Nick Bolton to make tackles. Through the first 15 games of 2024, Saunders has recorded 31 tackles and 4 tackles for loss, and the Chiefs rank 11th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (108.2)—a improvement of 5 spots from 2023. As a pass rusher, Saunders has been equally effective: he has 3 sacks and 8 quarterback hits, often coming in late-game situations when the Chiefs need to close out contests. His most memorable play of the season came in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, when he sacked Russell Wilson on fourth down to end a potential game-tying drive. “Khalen is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better,” Cullen said. “When he’s in the game, Chris [Jones] gets more one-on-one matchups, and our linebackers have more room to run. He’s the glue that holds our defensive line together.”

Khalen Saunders Kept on Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs also highlights his leadership and presence in the locker room—qualities that extend beyond on-field performance. As a veteran in his fifth season with the Chiefs, Saunders has become a mentor to younger linemen, including rookies Anudike-Uzomah and defensive tackle Keondre Coburn. He spends time with them before and after practice, reviewing film to break down blocking schemes and sharing tips on how to handle NFL-level offensive linemen. His work ethic has also set a standard: he’s often the first defensive lineman to arrive at practice and the last to leave, staying late to work on his footwork and hand technique. For the Kansas City Chiefs, this leadership is invaluable, especially as the team looks to integrate young players into a championship-caliber defense. “Khalen isn’t just a teammate—he’s a leader,” Jones said. “The rookies look up to him, and he takes that responsibility seriously. He’s the kind of player who builds culture, and culture wins championships.”

Another key layer of Khalen Saunders Kept on Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs is his playoff experience—a critical factor for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Saunders has played in 12 career playoff games, including two Super Bowls, and has recorded 15 tackles and 2 sacks in those contests. His ability to perform under pressure was on full display in the 2023 AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, when he recorded 3 tackles and a quarterback hit to help the Chiefs secure a spot in Super Bowl LVII. For the Kansas City Chiefs, retaining Saunders ensures that they have a player who knows how to handle the intensity of postseason football—a commodity that can’t be easily replaced. “Playoff football is different,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “You need players who’ve been there, who don’t get flustered when the stakes are high. Khalen has that experience, and he’s proven he can make plays when it matters most. Keeping him was an easy decision when you think about our goals.”

The final dimension of Khalen Saunders Kept on Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs is what this decision says about the Chiefs’ approach to roster building—prioritizing consistency, versatility, and character over flashy additions. The Chiefs have long been known for retaining players who fit their system and culture, even if they aren’t the most high-profile names. Saunders embodies this philosophy: he’s not a Pro Bowl selection, but he’s a reliable contributor who makes the team better in ways that don’t always show up in box scores. For Saunders, the Chiefs’ decision to keep him is a validation of his hard work and dedication to the team. “I’ve always wanted to be a Chief for life,” Saunders said in an interview earlier this season. “This organization gave me a chance to prove myself, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep contributing. My job isn’t just to play football—it’s to help this team win another Super Bowl, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, keeping Khalen Saunders is more than just a roster move—it’s a commitment to the kind of team-first culture that has made them one of the NFL’s most successful franchises over the past decade. As they head into the playoffs, Saunders’ presence will continue to be a key factor in their quest for another Lombardi Trophy.