March 6, 2026, 4:01 p.m. ET

The Cincinnati Bengals might be open to older free agents than usual when the market opens next week. 

After all, much of the discussion from Duke Tobin and Bengals coaches since the season ended has focused on getting more veteran names on the defensive side of the ball. 

So…what about Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints?

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jordan and the Saints couldn’t agree on a contract and he’s “open to leaving New Orleans” this offseason after playing there since 2011.

Jordan turns 37 in July, so he’d be a dramatic departure of how the Bengals usally feel about age, no doubt. 

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But veteran leadership is a must for a defense that remains all-in around first-rounders Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart. They might even add an interior defensive lineman at No. 10. 

On the experience front, hard to do better than Jordan, a former first-team All-Pro with eight Pro Bowls and 132 sacks on his resume so far. He just posted another 10.5 sacks last year, too, so he’s plenty productive still. 

Normally, the Bengals wouldn’t even be worth a nod for a free agent like Jordan. But the interesting blend of need and desperation right now means it’s not as safe as usual to completely rule out.Â