The Saints have come to a contract agreement with another defensive lineman

Within an hour’s time, the New Orleans Saints filled a big recent void.

Wednesday morning, on the first official day of free agency, ESPN was first to report the Saints expect to sign defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd. Shortly after, NFL Network reported the Saints also expect to signed defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.

Saunders, a 6-foot and 324-pound 26-year-old, is headed to New Orleans after four years with the Kansas City Chiefs. Saunders’ new three-year deal is reportedly worth up to $14.5 million.

Saunders helped the Chiefs to a 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII last month. Saunders recorded a sack and two tackles in the victory. He played 52% of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps.

During the 2022 regular season, Saunders notched a career-high 3½ sacks, eight quarterback hits and 48 tackles. His previous career highs were one sack, two quarterback hits and 22 tackles in 2019 — another Super Bowl-winning season for the Chiefs.

A majority of 2020-21 saw Saunders either inactive or on injured reserve. He played in just 10 games between the two seasons, notching a combined 11 tackles. 

The Chiefs picked him out of Western Illinois with the 84th overall selection in the third round of the 2019 draft.

Shepherd and Saunders fill major holes left behind by former Saints defensive tackles Shy Tuttle (expected to sign with Carolina Panthers) and David Onyemata (expected to sign with Atlanta Falcons).