Two Backup Options for Saints Legend Cam Jordan

Will the New Orleans Saints re-sign Cameron Jordan? At this point, that's up in the air.

Dec 28, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) gives chase to Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) during the second half of the game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

It's pretty clear that there is at least somewhat of a disconnect between the New Orleans Saints and longtime franchise star Cameron Jordan.

Jordan is a free agent right now after spending the last 15 seasons as a member of the franchise. He has played in more games than anyone else with the Saints and the mark will be very difficult to break. Jordan has played in 243 games as a member of the Saints, including 242 starts. In his rookie year he played in 16 games and started 15 of them. That's the only time in his career he didn't start a single game. Every game since has been a start.

It's no secret that he has been open about his stint in free agency. Jordan has said he wants to come back, but no deal has been signed. Jordan has said he wants to come back, but also unsurprisingly has said that he's looking to be valued in the market after racking up 10 1/2 sacks in 2025. That's completely fair as well. On Thursday, Jordan took to social media with a cryptic post seemingly directed at the Saints that read: "R-E-S-P-E-C-T shows… neglect grows… imma keep working towards a better version of me."

The Saints legend is available still to the surprise of some

Nov 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) reacts after forcing a fumble against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Clearly, there's some sort of impasse between these two parties right now. If Jordan does somehow leave, where could he go? It would be a pretty big shock to see Jordan wearing another jersey. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport did float the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears as potential

"Jordan will celebrate his 37th birthday in July, but you wouldn't know it by looking at his stats — in less than 600 snaps, Jordan piled up 10.5 sacks, the first time he hit double-digits since he had 12.5 sacks in 2021," Davenport wrote. "There are a handful of teams who could really use an edge-rusher, including potential contenders like the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers. Jordan may not be the full-time, every-down force he once was, but he can still inject pop into a pass rush."

On paper, Davenport isn't wrong. Both the Bears and 49ers could be very good in 2026. Jordan would help them as well after racking up the 10 1/2 sacks in 2025. But it's still hard to believe he'll be anywhere other than New Orleans in 2026. Sure, if the two sides can't work something out, then maybe he'll go. But free agency already has been open for about a month and he hasn't left yet. The two sides clearly don't agree on something. With time, maybe they will find a way to bridge the gap.