Saints' All-Pro Defender Cameron Jordan to Hit Free Agency

After 15 seasons with the Saints, the 8-time Pro Bowler will test the open market.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, an 8-time Pro Bowler and 2-time All-Pro, has decided to forgo the Saints' contract offers and will hit free agency for the first time in his 15-year NFL career. Jordan, who was selected in the 1st round of the 2011 draft, has been a standout player for the Saints, recording 132 career sacks. However, reports indicate the Saints' contract offers were not up to Jordan's expectations, as the 37-year-old pass rusher continues to perform at a high level.

Why it matters

Jordan's decision to test free agency is a significant loss for the Saints, as he has been a cornerstone of their defense for over a decade. His departure will leave a major hole that the team will need to fill, either through the draft, free agency, or by promoting from within. This move also signals that the Saints may be entering a transitional period as they look to rebuild their roster around younger talent.

The details

After recording 10.5 sacks in 2025, Jordan's decision to hit free agency comes as somewhat of a surprise, as he had expressed a desire to remain in New Orleans. However, reports indicate that the Saints' contract offers were not up to Jordan's standards, as the veteran pass rusher still believes he has several productive seasons left in the tank. With his career sack total now at 132, Jordan could potentially move into the top 6 on the NFL's all-time sacks list with another 10-sack season.

  • Jordan was selected by the Saints in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
  • He has spent his entire 15-year career with the Saints.
  • Jordan recorded 10.5 sacks in the 2025 season.

The players

Cameron Jordan

An 8-time Pro Bowl and 2-time All-Pro defensive end who has spent his entire 15-year career with the New Orleans Saints.

New Orleans Saints

The NFL team that Cameron Jordan has played for since being drafted in 2011.

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What they’re saying

“Eight-time Pro-Bowl DE Cameron Jordan, who has spent his 15-year career in New Orleans and had 10.5 sacks last season, will not have a new deal in place with New Orleans by next week and now will hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The Saints will need to determine how to replace the production and leadership of Cameron Jordan, either through the draft, free agency, or by promoting from within their current roster.

The takeaway

Cameron Jordan's decision to test free agency after 15 seasons with the Saints represents the end of an era in New Orleans. The team will need to find a way to replace the 8-time Pro Bowler's impact on their defense, but Jordan's departure also signals that the Saints may be entering a rebuilding phase as they look to transition to a younger roster.