Saints' Cameron Jordan confirms he'll retire after 2026 season under one condition

As had been expected for some time, it was learned on Tuesday that pass-rusher Cameron Jordan had decided to return to the New Orleans Saints via a one-year deal.

Jordan, who turns 37 years old in July, has played only for the Saints since they selected him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. On Tuesday, he shared the one way that the upcoming season could definitely become the last of his lengthy playing career. 

Cameron Jordan wants to ride off into the sunset after helping Saints win the Super Bowl

"After we win a Super Bowl? Absolutely," Jordan said about possibly retiring this coming winter, per Katherine Terrell of ESPN. "We win the Super Bowl...I'll fill that goblet up and drink out of it and call it done. Like the Stanley Cup or something."

On paper, it seems unlikely that Jordan's dream will become a reality. After all, New Orleans is coming off a 6-11 campaign. As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Saints as +9000 betting underdogs to win Super Bowl LXI.

Nevertheless, it sounds like he never came all that close to signing with a different team this spring. 

"There was no match," Jordan said about what he accepted to return to the Saints. "But again, when it comes down to it, it's lifestyle. It's the idea that I could have played for the same team for my entire career. The loyalty streak has always run deep with me. And I think a couple years ago, me and [Saints general manager Mickey Loomis] sat down and was like, 'Look, man, the way you played, the way you managed yourself, you always have a job here.' Now, it may not be what I think I'm worth or whatever it is, but it's always been the idea that we had an open line of communication."

Cameron Jordan was wanted by Saints teammates

Jordan recorded 10.5 sacks over 17 games with New Orleans last season. Some previously linked him with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots, among other potential suitors, due to their need for help at his position. 

On Tuesday, Jordan touched upon how quarterback Tyler Shough and other Saints players regularly touched base as the veteran remained a free agent. 

"I talked to Shough four or five times this offseason," Jordan explained. "Pestering the hell out of me, honestly, about I'm signing back. ...I'm overly blessed and excited to be back with the team."

It remains to be seen if Jordan's latest contract will be the last of his 16-season NFL career.