Justin Reid makes feelings on Cameron Jordan returning to Saints clear

The New Orleans Saints avoided losing both a key player for the 2026 NFL season and a franchise icon when they and veteran pass-rusher Cameron Jordan agreed to a one-year contract back in June. 

During a recent appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Saints safety Justin Reid spoke about Jordan remaining a one-club man for another campaign.

Keeping Cameron Jordan is "huge for the culture" of the Saints

"Huge for the culture of the team," Reid said about the Saints re-signing Jordan, per Kevin Patra of the NFL's website. "Hard worker, still productive going into Year 15-16, whatever it is, but I think that aside from his production on the field -- which he still has a healthy engine running -- I think that he's so good for the defensive line and the defense in general just by bringing that veteran leadership, that consistency. Having a Hall of Fame guy in the locker room that guys can bounce questions off of, they know what it looks like. 'Hey, if I want to play this long, it looks like Cam Jordan. Do what he does.'"

Jordan has played only for the Saints since they selected him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. That said, there was a period of time during the offseason when it seemed as if an advertised contender, such as the Kansas City Chiefs or the New England Patriots, was going to sign the 36-year-old. 

Cameron Jordan as important to the Saints as Drew Brees?

Jordan said in June that "there was no match" before he and the Saints came to terms on their agreement. Thus, the perception exists that the market for his services wasn't quite as robust as he had hoped. That's somewhat surprising, as he recorded 10.5 sacks over 17 games with New Orleans last season.

"When you think New Orleans Saints, to me, the first person that comes to mind is probably Drew Brees, and then the second person that comes to mind is Cam Jordan," Reid added. 

Of course, Brees is a future Hall of Famer who guided the Saints to a Super Bowl championship during his legendary career. Jordan, who turns 37 on July 10, may ultimately retire without ever getting his hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Saints as +9000 betting underdogs to win Super Bowl LXI this coming February.