Last offseason, the New Orleans Saints entered a new era of football with changes throughout the organization.
Although this offseason is the second year of that, and the Saints are making fewer changes, the new-era feeling is still around. Demario Davis has left and joined the New York Jets, Alvin Kamara has been heavily rumored not to be on the roster for next season, and Cam Jordan is still left in free agency.
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In Jordan’s case, it seems that there is an impasse in contract conversations with the team. It’s clear that both sides want Jordan in New Orleans, but the money is the issue. Jordan wants to be paid for his production last offseason (10 sacks) and to have an important role on defense, but the Saints are not willing to pay what he wants, and his role is likely to be reduced if he returns.
This disagreement has led to a very likely outcome: Cam Jordan will leave and join a new team in 2026. So, where could that be?
The top option I can see is Jordan returning to California, where he went to college. Weather is something Jordan is taking into consideration during this search, specifically, not playing in cold weather. Also, Jordan has been very active in Cal’s football program recently, so being closer (still around 4 hours away) could be something Jordan wants.
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Regarding the football aspect of the Chargers, they should be competitive in 2026; they have a need at EDGE and the money to give Jordan what he wants.
Similar to the Chargers as a destination, the Cardinals could be where Jordan ends up. The weather in Arizona is far from cold, and Jordan is from the state. Unlike the Chargers, the Cardinals will not be competing in 2026 and probably not in 2027 either.
If Jordan signs with Arizona, it will come down to money, destination, and role on the Cardinals’ defense, especially if Josh Sweat gets traded.
Last, the Chiefs need to be in this conversation. Yes, the weather is much colder than the places listed above, and Jordan would have to overcome that, but if he wants a Super Bowl ring, his best odds of doing that are with the Chiefs. Some Chiefs players, like star DT Chris Jones, have already tried to recruit Jordan to the team, and the team has a need for a pass rusher.