Fifteen seasons, elite production, and a massive cap hit. Can the Saints afford to keep their legendary pass rusher, or is it time for a new era?
As the 2026 offseason looms, the New Orleans Saints face a decision that is as much about the soul of the franchise as it is about the salary cap. What happens next for Cameron Jordan? We have featured this topic earlier last year when the Saints season ended. As time closes in, the topic is still questionable.
For fifteen years, Jordan has been the heartbeat of the New Orleans defense. He is the franchise’s all-time sack leader, a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, and a player whose durability has defied the laws of physics for a defensive lineman. But as he hits free agency at age 36, the Saints find themselves at a crossroads.
The Case for the "Lifer"
After a dip in 2023 and 2024 that had some fans whispering the "R-word" (retirement), Jordan didn't just bounce back in 2025—he turned back the clock. His 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last season proved that his refined, high-IQ pass rushing still works, especially when his snap count is managed effectively.
The "Vibes" Factor: Under head coach Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the Saints are finally seeing a youth movement take hold with players like Bryan Bresee and Tyler Shough. In a locker room full of young talent, Jordan’s leadership isn't a luxury; it's a stabilizer.
The Legend Discount: Spotrac currently projects Jordan’s market value at roughly $6.7 million on a one-year deal. For a guy who just put up double-digit sacks, that is a bargain. If the Saints can keep him on a team-friendly, one-year "farewell tour" contract, it’s a no-brainer.
Recently, Jordan was with Sky Sports and the topic of his situation with the Saints was brought up.
"For the first time in forever, I'm not under contract, which I've never not been under contract. Fifteen seasons, I've always signed extensions. Now I'm just taking the right meetings," Jordan told Sky Sports NFL.
"I'm in Super Bowl week, I'm on TV some of this week, I'm talking to some producers, I'm taking the right meetings to put myself in the right mental space, head space, and of course, my physical space has been phenomenal".
The Cold Business Reality
The Saints’ salary cap is a recurring nightmare that would make most accountants weep. Jordan’s current contract has "void years" attached to it, meaning even if he leaves, he carries a massive $18.7 million dead cap hit in 2026.
From a purely clinical perspective, the Saints need to get younger and faster on the edge. Relying on a 37-year-old to be a primary disruptor is a risky gamble. With the 8th overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the temptation to draft a blue-chip pass rusher and move on from the veteran era (which includes Demario Davis and Taysom Hill) is stronger than ever.
One More Go
The Saints should re-sign Cameron Jordan to a one-year deal, but with a clear evolution of his role.
Last year showed that Jordan is most lethal when he isn't playing 90% of the snaps. By keeping him, New Orleans allows him to chase the few remaining milestones left on his Hall of Fame resume while serving as the ultimate mentor for whoever the Saints inevitably draft in April.
Cam Jordan shouldn't wear another jersey. He has earned the right to go out on his own terms, and given his 2025 production, those "terms" still include terrorizing opposing quarterbacks in the Superdome.