NFL Tackle Khalen Saunders Attended G League Tryout
The 30-year-old defensive tackle worked out for the New Orleans Pelicans' G League affiliate.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
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Former NFL defensive tackle Khalen Saunders participated in an open tryout for the Laketown Squadron. The event took place in New Orleans as the veteran athlete explored professional basketball opportunities.
Why it matters
The appearance marks a transition for Saunders, who was released by the Tennessee Titans shortly before the tryout. Athletes occasionally seek alternative professional paths following changes in their NFL status.
Khalen Saunders competed in the tryout wearing jersey No. 34 and weighing in at 324 pounds. Participants paid a $300 fee for the opportunity to perform before the basketball operations staff.
The players
Khalen Saunders
He is a 30-year-old professional athlete who previously played as a defensive tackle in the NFL.
Laketown Squadron
This organization serves as the official NBA G League affiliate for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Tennessee Titans
They are a professional football team in the NFL that released Saunders on August 30.
The details
Saunders, an NFL veteran, joined local players at the open session to compete for an invitation to the Laketown Squadron's training camp. The team, an affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans, provided the forum for the defensive tackle to showcase his skills to professional coaches.
Timeline
August 30, 2026: The Tennessee Titans released Khalen Saunders.
September 19, 2026: Khalen Saunders participated in the G League tryout.
November 8, 2026: The Laketown Squadron begins its inaugural season.
November 14, 2026: The Laketown Squadron plays its first home game.
Season Trajectory
This tryout activity aligns with the standard preseason talent evaluation process utilized by NBA G League teams. It demonstrates how professional franchises leverage open tryouts to identify potential roster depth ahead of the season opener.
The Laketown Squadron will debut their inaugural season on November 8, 2026, against the Austin Spurs. Fans can track whether Saunders earns a training camp invitation as the team moves toward its November 14 home opener.
The takeaway
Professional transitions between different sports remain a rare but notable occurrence for elite athletes. Athletes often utilize these opportunities to leverage their physical conditioning in new professional environments.
Further reading
For more on local sports, visit the Football section.
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