New Orleans Saints (Image via Getty) The New Orleans Saints are heading into the 2026 offseason with an important decision to make on defensive end Cameron Jordan. The veteran is set to become a free agent after another productive year, and many around the league believe the team should consider a short, low-cost deal to keep him in New Orleans.The Saints are expected to have roughly $27-40 million in cap space after roster adjustments. A one-year agreement would allow the team to maintain depth on the defensive line while avoiding long-term financial risk. Jordan would continue working alongside Chase Young and Carl Granderson, giving the unit experience to complement its younger players.
Cameron Jordan continues to deliver in his mid-30s
Cameron Jordan recorded 47 tackles, including 32 solo, along with 10.5 sacks and two passes defended in 17 games during the 2025 season. He turns 37 in July 2026 but has shown he can still handle a full workload.His play helped the Saints’ defensive line generate consistent pressure. The group earned Pro Football Focus’ most-improved recognition and posted a top grade in Week 18, supported by Jordan’s 87.1 run-defense grade.Younger linemen Bryan Bresee and Davon Godchaux benefited from his presence. New Orleans finished the season with two defensive linemen reaching double-digit sacks while allowing between 22.5 and 23.7 points per game, placing the defense near the middle of the league.
A short-term contract makes financial sense
New Orleans Saints’ Cameron Jordan (Image via Getty)
A one-year deal worth $6-8 million fully guaranteed, similar to his 2025 restructure, fits the New Orleans Saints’ cap outlook. The team was once projected to be $12-42 million over the limit but has paths to create flexibility through veteran adjustments.Incentives tied to sacks and games played could reward performance without adding future risk. A $4-5 million signing bonus spread over two years would help reduce the immediate cap hit.Contract ElementAmountBenefit Base Salary $3M (guaranteed) Cap-friendly payroll Signing Bonus $4M Instant flexibility Sack Incentives $500K/5 sacks Performance upside Total Max Value $8M Low-risk veteran anchor
Why a return could help both sides
Cameron Jordan has 132 career sacks and could pass 140 with another strong season. Staying in New Orleans Saints would give him stability while allowing him to mentor teammates such as Demario Davis on a roster that averages 26.7 years old.Jordan has also suggested there is about a 94% chance he re-signs if he does not retire. Pairing his experience with Chase Young, who posted 12 sacks, would give the defensive front proven production.
Weighing the advantages and concerns
Pros: • Adds immediate pass-rush help after a 10.5-sack season. • Provides leadership for younger players like Fadil Diggs and Myles Cole. • Likely costs less than $8 million, cheaper than replacing his production.Cons: • Age remains a concern, even though he played every game in 2025. • The Saints must still manage the cap and plan for players such as Demario Davis. • The same money could be used to pursue younger free agents.CategoryJordan 2025 StatsDL Partner Comparison (2025) Sacks 10.5 Chase Young: 12 Tackles 47 (32 solo) Carl Granderson: High PFF grade Pressures Contributed to team-high Young: 49 total Run Defense 87.1 PFF grade Godchaux/Bresee: 5th in sack %
Fit within the defensive line
Jordan stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 287 pounds. He fits well next to the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Young and the 6-foot-3, 330-pound Godchaux, giving the Saints size across the front. The team’s core remains intact, with no major trades affecting the group.Also read: NFL trade rumors: New York Jets predicted to re-sign $15.885 million star to bolster rotation ahead of offseason
Who benefits most
If the Saints bring Jordan back on a short deal, they keep a likely Hall of Fame player at a manageable price. The move would support a defensive line that already shows promise while allowing the team to maintain future roster flexibility.