The Detroit Lions have made a strategic move in free agency by signing former Carolina Panthers defensive end DJ Wonnum to a one-year deal, potentially worth up to $6 million. This addition bolsters their edge-rushing capabilities, but the Lions might still be on the hunt for more depth in the position as free agency progresses.
Enter Cameron Jordan, a name that resonates well with Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who previously worked with Jordan during his tenure as an assistant coach with the New Orleans Saints. Recently, Jordan hinted that his long-standing tenure with the Saints might be nearing its end.
Reflecting on his career, Jordan told TMZ Sports, "If you get a 10-sack season, if I was 26, I’d be asking for top dollar. Things I’ve never asked for is top dollar.
All I’ve ever asked for is to be valued.” His 10.5 sacks from last season are impressive, though deeper metrics might tell a different story.
This could be influencing the offers he's receiving, which may not align with his expectations.
According to Spotrac, Jordan's market value is projected at $6.8 million, suggesting that teams, including the Saints, might be cautious with their offers.
Jordan's recent appearance on Terron Armstead's podcast, "The Set," shed more light on his situation. While he's open to returning to the Saints for a 16th season, he's clear about having a "set value" for his services. If the Saints' offer doesn't match his expectations, he's ready to explore other opportunities.
“You see guys my age re-sign with a team because that’s the only team they’ve ever been with, and you’re like, ‘Hell yeah, we love that,’ but that’s to his situation,” Jordan explained. “That may not be to my situation.
As football players, we can only control what we can control. Of course, I’d love to be in New Orleans.
At the same time, if the cents doesn’t make sense, we gotta find our own path.”
Jordan mentioned he's considering three teams, with the Lions being a logical option due to his connection with Campbell. The Chicago Bears are another potential landing spot, given the presence of former Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
With nearly $147.5 million in career earnings, it's clear that while money is a factor for Jordan, it's not the sole driver. He’s not inclined to offer the Saints any discounts, emphasizing that business decisions must align with his personal goals.
Ultimately, if Jordan is indeed separating emotions from his free agency decisions, the Lions might not hold as much sway unless they meet his financial expectations. If his asking price is beyond what the Lions are willing to pay, they may look elsewhere to strengthen their roster.