Ex-Chiefs DT Khalen Saunders seemingly throws shade at Patrick Mahomes & co. as Andy Reid’s men suffer 22-19 defeat to Broncos

Khalen Saunders has received plenty of free-agent interest from NFL teams since he was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after Week 10. However, the Kansas City Chiefs haven't been one of them, ruling out the possibility of the defensive tackle returning to the team.

A large percentage of fans assumed Kansas City would quickly scoop him up to fill a clear need on the defensive line, but the team has since pumped the brakes on any reunion. According to Tom Pelissero, Saunders is now expected to sign with the New York Jets.

Khalen Saunders made a post on social media on Monday that indicated the Chiefs aren't open to bringing him back. The defensive lineman, in what was a cryptic post on X, expressed his huge disappointment to the fans with what seems like the decision of the Chiefs’ front office.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

The post by Saunders is coming a day after the Chiefs suffered a 22-19 loss to the Denver Broncos, where the struggle in the defensive interior was once again evident. The Chiefs dropped to 5-5 after the Sunday loss, creating some concerns about making the playoffs.

Like he did for Mike Pennel, Chris Jones has publicly campaigned for Khalen Saunders' return. Given the ongoing issues along the team’s interior defensive line and the lack of consistent quarterback pressure, bringing Saunders back to Kansas City seems like an obvious solution.

The Chiefs are turning down Khalen Saunders' opportunity despite having the season on the line

The Kansas City Chiefs are passing off the opportunity to bring back Khalen Saunders despite being on the brink of missing the playoffs. It appears Andy Reid wants to believe in the team he currently has. In his media availability on Monday, he commended his players' fighting spirit.

"It was disappointment last night,” Reid said. “They fought their hearts out and had too many mistakes. I could have gotten them in better positions, but they were disappointed. “These guys normally take responsibility for those type of things. So, I go around on the plane on the way back, and I see where we're at and I get a pretty good feel on what the guys are thinking immediately after a game. "These guys are accountable for their actions.”

The Chiefs are scheduled to play the Indianapolis Colts, which has been one of the best teams in the NFL this season, in Week 12. With the door now shut on Saunders, Reid will be counting on Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel and Jerry Tillery to get the job done beside Chris Jones in the interior defensive line.

Edited by Farouk Yusuf