The New Orleans Saints started the 2026 offseason with a lot of questions, one of the biggest being the status of future Saints Hall of Fame defensive end Cam Jordan.
Jordan returning to the Saints is viewed today as a need — not a major need, but a need nonetheless. The departures of veteran leaders like Demario Davis, Tyrann Mathieu, and Taysom Hill, along with the unconventional status of Alvin Kamara, make Jordan’s leadership within a young locker room even more important.
It’s not just about leadership,
either. Jordan had a resurgence last season, finishing with double-digit sacks for the first time since 2021. He would also solidify an improved defensive edge room. However, the biggest question surrounding that room is which player can truly complement the pass-rushing ability of Chase Young.
The Jordan-Young tandem in 2025 was dominant and grew stronger as the season progressed. Early in the offseason, the expectation was that the Saints would attempt to pair Young with a younger edge rusher through either the draft or free agency. While the Saints have brought in newer players at the position, none possess the pedigree of Cam Jordan.
The NFL Draft has come and gone, free agency is all but complete, and OTAs are about to begin — yet Jordan remains a free agent. So what could be the holdup?
It appears everything comes down to the contract.
Ross Jackson was recently on Timeouts and Tangents and expressed confidence in Cam Jordan returning to the Saints based on how the offseason moves have unfolded.
There is still clearly a role for Cam Jordan on this Saints team. The question becomes: how does that role get compensated, and can both sides agree on that financial value?
Jordan has publicly stated that he wants a contract that is more than just a hometown discount. Coming off a 10.5-sack season, that stance is understandable. The challenge, however, is that Jordan is now 36 years old and entering his 15th NFL season.
That does not mean the Saints are uninterested in bringing him back.
Mickey Loomis was recently interviewed at the annual Saints Hall of Fame golf tournament and stated that they have had an offer on the table for Jordan for quite some time. At this point, it simply comes down to whether both sides can reach an agreement.
As of right now, the two have not been able to reach an agreement, but that can always change.
Do not be surprised if an announcement regarding Jordan’s return to the Saints comes sooner rather than later. While this is ultimately a business, it would still be difficult to imagine him wearing another uniform. The fact that he remains available this late into the offseason is still a positive sign for New Orleans.
