Saints Seek Edge Rusher to Replace Retiring Star Cameron Jordan

New Orleans Saints have the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are eyeing top pass rushers to fill a key need.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:25am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the explosive movements of a football player rushing the quarterback, conveying the raw energy and power of elite pass rushing.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and dynamism of an elite pass rusher pressuring the quarterback, a key need the Saints hope to address in the upcoming NFL Draft.Today in Miami

The New Orleans Saints are in rebuilding mode after veteran quarterback Derek Carr opted to retire last offseason. They've made some key free agent additions on offense, but their top priority in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is finding an edge rusher to replace the retiring Cameron Jordan. Top prospects like Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami and David Bailey from Texas Tech are potential targets for the Saints with the 8th overall pick.

Why it matters

The Saints' defense has been anchored by Cameron Jordan for over a decade, so finding his successor is crucial to their long-term success. Securing an elite pass rusher in the draft would provide an immediate boost to their defense and help accelerate the team's rebuild.

The details

The Saints have the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are eyeing the top edge rushers in the class. Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami and David Bailey from Texas Tech are considered the top two prospects at the position. Bain is expected to be available at #8, while Bailey may go earlier in the top 6 picks. Securing one of these blue-chip pass rushers would be a dream scenario for the Saints as they look to replace the retiring Cameron Jordan, who has been the heart of their defense for 13 seasons.

  • The Saints are coming off a rebuilding season in 2025 after veteran QB Derek Carr retired.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Cameron Jordan

A 13-year veteran defensive end who has been the heart of the Saints' defense for over a decade, but is now retiring.

Rueben Bain Jr.

A top edge rushing prospect out of the University of Miami, projected to be available when the Saints pick at #8 overall.

David Bailey

The consensus top edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft class, playing for Texas Tech, but may be selected before the Saints' pick at #8.

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What they’re saying

“It's easy. It would be a dream come true if the Saints could land one of the top edge-rushers at No. 8 to replace Cameron Jordan. They land Rueben Bain Jr. in our most recent mock draft.”

— Alex Ballentine, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Saints will closely evaluate the top edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft class leading up to the event, with the goal of landing an impact player at #8 overall to replace the retiring Cameron Jordan.

The takeaway

Replacing an all-time great like Cameron Jordan is no easy task, but the Saints have a prime opportunity to secure their next defensive cornerstone in the upcoming draft. Landing a blue-chip edge rusher would be a major boost to their rebuilding efforts and help set the team up for long-term success.