Khalen Saunders signs rookie deal with Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs now have each and every one of their draft class officially under contract with news that Khalen Saunders had signed.

For the last several weeks, the Kansas City Chiefs have five of their six incoming draftees signed and sealed with their rookie contracts all worked out. From second round wide receiver Mecole Hardman to seventh round lineman Nick Allegrett, the Chiefs made relatively quick work of signing the draft class—save for third round defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.

After weeks of waiting, the Chiefs finally have finished up financial matters with Saunders, per NFL reporter Field Yates, putting the full draft class on the books. Saunders’ reported deal is for four years and just over $3.6 million.

Saunders was the team’s third overall choice in the draft and a nice grab in the third round at No. 84 overall as a disruptive tackle out of Western Illinois. He made quick fans of Chiefs Kingdom given his charismatic personality and incredible athleticism for a guy well over 300 lbs.—backflips included.

Saunders is going to be a project for the Chiefs in 2019 given that he’s got to make the leap in competition from Western Illinois to the pro level. That said, he was called the “Aaron Donald of the FCS” for a reason and the Chiefs are hoping their investment is rewarded by watching a player with such potential grow into a pro asset with refined technique.

For now, Saunders should have time on his side because the Chiefs are very deep along the defensive front. Xavier Williams, Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Joey Ivie and Justin Hamilton are also all on the roster and looking for reps.