Saints’ DT Khristian Boyd has locked up a roster spot

By Ross Jackson

With two preseason games in the books, the majority of the New Orleans Saints’ roster looks to be set. With only a few roster spots left to battle for, some players did well locking up their roles throughout the first two exhibition matchups. One of the players that did so most emphatically is second-year defensive tackle Khristian Boyd.

During the opening preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the 2024 sixth-rounder made an early statement wrangling a sack while the Chargers were backed up deep in their own territory. The play was initially called a safety on the field, but after review, the ball was given to Los Angeles on their one yard-line. 

Beyond that, he piled on an additional five pressures on opposing passers in his two games of action, per Pro Football Focus. All the while, he’s also remained effective and impactful against the run all throughout the offseason.

Roster Reflecting Boyd’s Ascension 

Following Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Saints traded defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to Jacksonville in exchange for a depth center in Luke Fortner. 

The only reason New Orleans was willing to trade away a two-time Super Bowl champion that’s been on the roster for a pair of years is likely because of the growth they’ve seen at the position otherwise. While Suanders struggled to find a place where he could fit in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s new scheme, Boyd looks to have fit right in.

An Unofficial Vote Of Confidence

On Tuesday, the Saints released their third unofficial depth chart. The player order remained widely unchanged from even the first depth chart release. However, one notable shift was Boyd being listed directly behind starting nose tackle Davon Godchaux following the Saunders trade. 

#Saints third unofficial depth chart.

– Khristian Boyd listed directly behind Davin Godchaux following the Khalen Saunders trade.

– Luke Fortner listed as the top backup center, but they’ve deviated from the depth chart order at center a ton already. pic.twitter.com/6a2dVSgFWM

— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) August 19, 2025

While the depth chart is unofficial, this is one that stands out because of Boyd’s advancement and the fact that he’s listed ahead (even if on separate “DT” lines) of veteran players. Oftentimes, unofficial depth charts are ordered by seniority. With Boyd’s leap even ahead of other nose tackle options like veteran John Ridgeway III, it’s clear that the second-year interior defender has likely locked up not just his roster spot, but his opportunity to see the field often throughout the 2025 regular season.