Saints Considering Cutting Backup Safety Jordan Howden

New Orleans has several options to create cap space this offseason, including parting ways with the little-known defensive back.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints are looking to make some roster changes this offseason as they aim to win the NFC South division and make a deep playoff run. While much of the focus has been on potential free agent additions and contract extensions for key players, the team may also part ways with backup safety Jordan Howden as a way to create some much-needed salary cap space.

Why it matters

The Saints have a deep safety room with the emergence of Jonas Sanker and the signing of Justin Reid last year, making Howden expendable. Cutting Howden could free up $3.65 million in cap space, which the team can use to re-sign or extend other important players like Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and Taysom Hill.

The details

Jordan Howden, a 25-year-old backup safety, has not generated much buzz this offseason as the Saints look to retool their roster. With young safeties like Sanker and Reid already on the team, Howden may become the odd man out as the Saints look to create cap space through player cuts and contract restructures.

  • The Saints are evaluating their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Jordan Howden

A 25-year-old backup safety for the New Orleans Saints who could be a salary cap casualty this offseason.

Jonas Sanker

A young safety entering his second season with the Saints, emerging as a potential starter.

Justin Reid

A free agent signing by the Saints last year, expected to be a key part of their secondary going forward.

Cam Jordan

A veteran defensive end for the Saints who may have his contract restructured to create cap space.

Demario Davis

A veteran linebacker for the Saints who may have his contract restructured to create cap space.

Taysom Hill

A versatile offensive player for the Saints who may have his contract restructured to create cap space.

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What they’re saying

“I think all of us, you know, every day with every team, whether it is a coach or GM, has a vision for how they can win their division, regardless of how strong or weak you may think it is. We're going to approach it the same way. How do we improve enough to win the division? We don't want to just win the division. We don't want to be an 8-9 team winning the division. We want to win the division, be dominant and have a chance to make a run in the playoffs. So that's what our goal is going to be.”

— Mickey Loomis, Saints General Manager (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Saints will continue to evaluate their roster and salary cap situation in the coming weeks, with decisions on players like Jordan Howden, Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and Taysom Hill expected in the near future.

The takeaway

The Saints are looking to make significant roster changes this offseason as they aim to not just win the NFC South, but to be a dominant team capable of making a deep playoff run. While much of the focus has been on potential additions, the team may also part ways with lesser-known players like Jordan Howden in order to create the necessary salary cap space to re-sign or extend their core players.