After 15 seasons repping the Saints jersey, 8x Pro Bowler and former first-team All Pro defensive end, Cameron Jordan, will be a free agent, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 36-year-old has been a leader of this team and has also been the most reliable defensive force on the team for more than a decade.

Tyler Shough showed glimpses of talent, yet the Saints didn’t have what one would call a great offense. Now, the unit will be under duress, since the defense is less likely to give room for error. Shough will also have to be less mistake-prone when playing.

Cameron Jordan is old but gold, cheaper than Maxx Crosby

Despite being a veteran already, Cameron Jordan has nothing to envy in regards of other pass-rushers on the market. For instance, the biggest pass-rusher that could move is Maxx Crosby. Well, Jordan has an argument to say his 2025 season was better than Crosby’s. You can see their stats in the infographic below.

As Jordan said it himself, he is not asking for “top dollar” paychecks, he just wants to “be valued.” More than one team should look at him and give him a decent contract to elevate its pass rush. Especially a contender, Jordan brings elite experience and high football IQ, joined by great production.

Jordan provides more than just a pass rush

While Jordan’s primary goal would be to get to opposing quarterbacks, bringing a leader of men like him is what any team dreams of, especially at a premium pricetag. Jordan is a very well-respected name in the NFL, and he just had his best season since his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022.

Jordan has never won a Super Bowl, but with 132 career-sacks, he will finally leave the Saints in search of that all-elusive ring. Bear in mind, a Super Bowl with him being a prominent force would put him in Hall of Fame conversations, so whoever signs him will get a motivated guy, not a journeyman.

Cameron Jordan is arguably one of the most experienced defensive players in the league. His opinion carries significant weight, and when asked whether Hunter could realistically play both positions throughout an entire season, the Saints’ defensive end made it clear he has no objections to the idea.

“I mean, why not?” Jordan said Thursday on NFL Live. “He did it in college and he showed excellence. He was at the top of the best positions, at both DB and receiver. You could say the top.“

Still, the eight-time Pro Bowler added a clarification to his stance, noting that while Hunter might be able to handle multiple snaps at both positions in a single game, maintaining that pace throughout his entire career could be a different story.

“I just need to know what position he’s starting at. Like, if you say DB, then you have to limit your reps at wide receiver. And if you say wide receiver, then you have to limit your reps at DB. Do I think that he has 120 snaps in him? Yes. For a season? Probably. For 10 years? Absolutely not.”

What position will Liam Coen use Travis Hunter in?

While head coach Liam Coen has yet to make any official statement, early signs point toward Travis Hunter being featured primarily as a wide receiver in his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former Colorado Buffaloes star, known for his rare two-way talent, has sparked excitement around the league with his ability to impact both sides of the ball.

Hunter’s explosive speed, precise route-running, and natural playmaking ability make him a compelling weapon in an offense that needs fresh energy. With the departure of veteran receivers and a desire to support Trevor Lawrence‘s development, Jacksonville may look to Hunter as a dynamic option in the passing game.

That said, the door hasn’t been completely closed on Hunter contributing defensively. Coen and the Jaguars may still explore situational snaps at cornerback, especially given Hunter’s instincts and athleticism. But as it stands, his primary role is expected to be on offense — where the team believes he can make the most immediate and consistent impact.

In a recent conversation with the press, the defensive end, who has worn the black and gold jersey since 2011, made it clear that if the roster stays healthy throughout the season, they will be serious title contenders.

“We’re gonna have to take over on the leadership side,” Jordan said on Good Morning Football. “I think we have a team where, when healthy, (we’re) top tier. Last year, (we) went 2-0, we saw a healthy Rashid Shaheed, we saw Chris Olave, a healthy offensive line. We saw a team that was determined, young guys coming off the edge, Chase Young, Carl Granderson. You had Bryan Bresee splashing this year. Then, after the two games, that was about the last time you saw us all healthy. Then, next thing you know, the injury bug happens.

“We were facing the next man up every week, including at our quarterback position, which is probably the most important position for our offense. Quarterback dishes the ball out. We’re inserting Spencer Rattler. We’re inserting Jake Haener, back to Spencer Rattler to Derek Carr. Give me a healthy Derek Carr, and I can tell you where a healthy Saints state of mind will be.“

Jordan’s goal for the upcoming season

While Cameron Jordan has confidence in his teammates’ talent to have a strong season under Kellen Moore as head coach, the goal is specifically focused on taking on a division rival: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“There’s a place where we can still be happy. Hype is Chicago, but we could be happy,” Jordan said. “Let’s be real. The Bucs have won the division the last three or four years. So until you knock off the king of the hill, that’s what you’re doing, you’re climbing a hill. But let’s just not say they’re running away with it. … They clearly won the NFC South last year, 10-7. The year before that, 9-8. The year before that, 8-9. Come on! It’s definitely attainable to go after.”

Additionally, while waiting to see what will ultimately happen with Derek Carr and his future with the franchise, the defensive end shared his opinions on the upcoming NFL Draft, set to take place on April 24.

“The Saints haven’t drafted a quarterback since Archie Manning in the first round,” Jordan said. “What ifs? I’m just looking at history, and what it doesn’t do is repeat on the Saints’ side for drafting first-round quarterbacks. I’ve seen it as well. Look at that, Shedeur Sanders. Look at that, Jaxson Dart. Look at that. We could possibly … I’ve done that for too long.”

The personal target

While Jordan knows he is nearing the final stages of his professional playing career, the DE made it clear what his next goal in the league is: “I’ve got a goal of mind. I’m at 121.5 sacks,“ Jordan said. “I feel like 125, it’s always felt good. Somewhere last year, I decided that’s it. Now that I’m just 3.5 away, I’ve got to go 130. You’re always looking for that next level.”

The first year of Dennis Allen as head coach of the Saints ended with a disappointing 7-10 record. He never found his franchise quarterback with all the injuries faced by Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton’s inconsistency.

There’s a lot of expectations as Derek Carr signed with New Orleans after leaving the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, the Saints just made a huge move to make a run for the playoffs.

Cameron Jordan extends his contract with the New Orleans Saints

Cameron Jordan officially signed a two-year, $27.5 million contract extension to stay with the New Orleans Saints until 2025. In a very important detail of the agreement, all that money is guaranteed for the defensive end.

“I’ve been truly honored and blessed to enter a market like New Orleans, to enter everything that you think you want as a football player, coming up as a man, coming up as a kid with dreams of playing in the NFL.”

Jordan has been one of the best defensive players in the league since he was drafted by the Saints in 2011 racking 111.5 total sacks in his career. “It’s very special to sit here and be embraced by the city of New Orleans. It has been such a phenomenal and amazing experience that I couldn’t see myself being anything but Black and Gold.”