2026 could mark the end of an era for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints could look a lot different in 2026. For the first time since 2010, defensive end Cameron Jordan might not be part of the team's plans.

On Thursday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Jordan, 36, will enter free agency for the first time in his career after failing to reach an agreement on an extension with the Saints. While it's possible after surveying his options that New Orleans has the best offer, the chances of the 15-year veteran departing are greater than ever since he was selected at No. 24 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, when the organization was a year removed from winning its only Super Bowl.

Cameron Jordan's pending free agency could mark the end of an era for the New Orleans Saints

Even as an elder statesman, Jordan showed in 2025 he has plenty left in the tank to be a big-time contributor this fall. The eight-time Pro Bowler had 10.5 sacks last season, his most since 2021 (12.5) and seventh double-digit sack season overall. 

But even with that productivity, New Orleans isn't in a position where re-signing Jordan is a must. Carl Granderson has been productive and is under contract for the next two seasons, while Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, is coming off a career-best season, tallying 10 sacks in 12 games and ranking sixth among defensive ends in Sports Info Solutions' total points saved metric, trailing Maxx Crosby, Danielle Hunter, Myles Garrett, Aidan Hutchinson and Will Anderson Jr.

The Saints have also begun a youth movement on defense, trading veteran starting cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the 2024 deadline. Young pros such as Kool-Aid McKinstry (23), Quincy Riley (24) and Jonas Sanker (23) have carved out meaningful roles in the secondary since then, and that could trickle down to the rest of the unit.

Veteran linebacker Demario Davis, 37, is another candidate to leave in free agency, which would open the door for 2025 rookie Danny Stutsman, who turns 23 on March 10, to take on a larger role.

It would still be a major hit to lose Jordan, the franchise's all-time sack leader. Not only does he provide intangible value as a veteran presence, but the Saints would procure an $18.76M dead cap charge as a result to the remainder of his signing bonus accelerating to the 2026 cap. That would be a tough pill to swallow for a team that already has $65,798,682 in dead money, per Over The Cap.

New Orleans is trending upward after a positive end to the 2025 season,  winning five of its last eight games, including a sweep of the division-champion Carolina Panthers and a road victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It would be a shame if, after years spent in the proverbial wilderness, Jordan isn't around for a potential renaissance. 

But for the next era to begin, the last one must end.