After spending his entire 15-year career with the New Orleans Saints, defensive end Cameron Jordan will enter free agency for the first time. The eight-time Pro Bowler is expected to be on the market next week without a new contract in place, opening the door for other NFL teams to pursue him.
Jordan intends to continue playing for a 16th season and is open to joining another franchise. Known for his remarkable durability, he started all 17 games last season—his third consecutive season with 17 starts—and has started 242 of 243 career games. In 2025, Jordan recorded 10.5 sacks, the highest on the Saints and his best since 2021, along with 32 total tackles.
At age 36, Jordan has expressed that he is not seeking a maximum contract but desires to be fairly compensated based on his value.
If you get a 10-sack season, if I was 26, I’d be asking for top dollar,
Jordan said.
Things I’ve never asked for is top dollar. All I’ve ever asked for is to be valued.
? Cameron Jordan, Defensive End
Drafted No. 24 overall in 2011 by the Saints, Jordan’s career stats include 763 total tackles, 132.0 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, three interceptions, and one defensive touchdown. While the Saints could still negotiate a deal during free agency, teams seeking to strengthen their pass rush are likely to show interest. Here are five teams that might benefit from signing Jordan.
Chicago Bears Eye Veteran Pass Rusher
The Bears have prioritized improving their defensive backfield but are also looking to increase defensive pressure in 2026, according to coach Ben Johnson at the NFL combine. Jordan spent a decade playing under Chicago defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, making a reunion appealing. The Bears recently freed up significant cap space by trading wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Bills, providing the financial means to pursue Jordan while attempting to keep their own free agents.
Cincinnati Bengals Seek Experienced Defensive Help
Cincinnati faces a crucial need on their defensive front as Trey Hendrickson is expected to leave in free agency for a lucrative deal. While there may be no direct replacement of Hendrickson’s caliber, Jordan presents a dependable option who can contribute consistently and possibly at a lower cost. Bringing Jordan aboard could allow the Bengals to reallocate resources to other defensive weaknesses that have limited their success.
Dallas Cowboys Consider Cost-Effective Veteran Presence
Dallas owner Jerry Jones remains interested in landing elite edge rushers like Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson, but the potential cost may be prohibitive. Jordan offers a chance to boost pass-rushing production without the hefty price tag, helping the defense which allowed the most points in the league last season. With multiple Cowboys edge rushers becoming free agents, adding Jordan could immediately strengthen the unit while leaving budget room for other needs.
San Francisco 49ers Look for Proven Pass Rush Support
The 49ers continue to pursue a win-now strategy and are expected to seek veteran contributors for their defense. After finishing last in sacks last season, adding a player like Jordan would provide experience alongside star Joey Bosa and address gaps left by injuries. Jordan’s presence could be a crucial factor in helping San Francisco maintain its competitiveness before its Super Bowl window closes.
Los Angeles Chargers Prepare for Potential Loss of Key Rusher
With Odafe Oweh likely to enter free agency, the Chargers risk losing a key piece of their pass rush. Should Oweh depart, signing Jordan could serve as a reliable short-term solution to help preserve the team’s strong defensive identity. His expected modest salary would also allow the Chargers to allocate resources to their most pressing need: strengthening the offensive line.
Cameron Jordan’s entrance into free agency marks a significant moment in his career and offers several teams a valuable opportunity to enhance their defenses. His combination of experience, production, and leadership will make him a notable figure in the 2026 offseason, potentially reshaping the pass-rushing landscape across the NFL.
Eight-time Pro-Bowl DE Cameron Jordan, who has spent his 15-year career in New Orleans and had 10.5 sacks last season, will not have a new deal in place with New Orleans by next week and now will hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career, per sources. Jordan will play… pic.twitter.com/r5Q9sfk3am
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2026
