Saints Star Cam Jordan Hits Free Agency After 15-Year Career

The veteran pass rusher and the Saints couldn't reach a new deal before the start of free agency.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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After 15 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan will hit free agency for the first time in his career. Jordan, who has recorded at least 10 sacks in a season seven times, including 10.5 last year, is open to returning to the Saints but will test the open market. The Saints will need to decide whether to re-sign the 37-year-old Jordan or focus on building around younger stars like Chase Young on their defensive line.

Why it matters

Jordan's potential departure would be a significant loss for the Saints, who have relied on his consistent pass-rushing production for over a decade. His free agency also highlights the challenges of retaining aging stars, especially on the defensive line, as the Saints look to rebuild and return to contention in the NFC South.

The details

Cameron Jordan was a first-round pick by the Saints in 2011 and has spent his entire 15-year career in New Orleans. He has been a dominant force on the Saints' defensive line, making eight Pro Bowls and recording a franchise-leading 132 sacks. However, with Jordan set to turn 37 before the 2026 season, the Saints must weigh the value of retaining the veteran against investing in younger talent like Chase Young, who had a 10-sack season in 2025.

  • Jordan will be a free agent as of March 15, 2026.
  • The Saints' 2025 season ended with a 6-11 record, finishing last in the NFC South.

The players

Cameron Jordan

A 15-year veteran defensive end who has spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints, recording a franchise-leading 132 sacks.

Chase Young

A young defensive end for the Saints who had a 10-sack season in 2025, emerging as a potential star on the defensive line.

Tyler Shough

The Saints' rookie quarterback in 2025 who took over the starting job in Week 9 and finished second in the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Demario Davis

The Saints' veteran middle linebacker who is also set to be a free agent this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Per Schefter, Jordan will play a 16th season instead of retiring, though he is still open for another year with the Saints.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN reporter (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Saints will need to decide whether to re-sign Jordan before the start of free agency on March 15, 2026. They will also need to address the futures of other key free agents like Demario Davis as they look to rebuild their roster around young players like Tyler Shough and Chase Young.

The takeaway

Cameron Jordan's potential departure from the Saints after 15 seasons highlights the difficult decisions teams face in retaining aging stars, especially on the defensive line. The Saints must weigh Jordan's continued production against the need to invest in younger talent as they look to return to contention in the NFC South.