Saints sign rookie defensive tackle Kahlil Saunders and place offensive lineman Dillon Radunz on IR

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have signed defensive tackle Kahlil Saunders and placed offensive lineman Dillon Radunz on injured reserve, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said.

The 6-foot-4, 287-pound Saunders, a rookie out of Kentucky, was initially signed by Miami as an undrafted free agent but was waived by the Dolphins in late July.

His signing adds depth to a position that lost a projected starter during the first practice of training camp, when Bryan Bresee tore a major knee ligament that required season-ending reconstructive surgery to repair.

Saunders played in 51 games across five seasons for Kentucky. In 2025, Saunders started 12 games and recorded 29 tackles, including 3 1/2 tackles for loss, two sacks and four quarterback hurries.

Radunz, a reserve lineman who was entering his sixth season, tore his anterior cruciate ligament on Saturday. While he was not a projected starter, he was among the club's more accomplished and versatile reserves, having played tackle and guard in the NFL, and with 15 starts for Tennessee in 2024 and 10 starts for New Orleans last season.

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