Cameron Jordan has long been the heartbeat of the New Orleans Saints’ defense - a relentless edge presence, a locker room leader, and one of the most respected veterans in the league. Now, as he stares down another offseason with his contract set to expire in March, the 13-year vet is weighing his future in a familiar way: one year at a time.
But this time, the decision feels a little heavier.
Coming off a resurgent 10.5-sack season - his best pass-rushing output in years - Jordan has shown he’s still got gas in the tank. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by playoff contenders looking to add a proven disruptor to their front seven. Yet, despite the potential suitors that could come calling, Jordan made it clear this week where his heart still lies.
On The Set podcast with former teammate Terron Armstead, Jordan didn’t mince words about his future.
“94% that I come back as a Saint,” he said. “You know, I’ve never seen myself in any other colors. Like where else would I rather be?”
That’s been his stance for a while now - loyal to the Black and Gold. And it’s not just sentimentality.
Jordan sees something brewing in New Orleans. The emergence of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who helped flip the script on what looked like a lost season, has injected fresh energy into the franchise.
Add in the impact of Chase Young on the defensive line, and suddenly there’s a core worth believing in again.
For Jordan, it’s not just about nostalgia - it’s about momentum.
These young pieces give him a reason to believe that the Saints aren’t just rebuilding; they’re reloading. And for a veteran who’s poured everything into this team, that matters. He wants to finish strong - not just statistically, but as part of a group that’s pushing toward something bigger.
Of course, there’s the business side of it too. Jordan’s value is clear - 10.5 sacks don’t lie - and any new deal will have to reflect both his on-field production and his leadership presence.
The Saints, meanwhile, will have to navigate a tight cap situation to make it work. It’s a delicate balance: rewarding a franchise legend while keeping an eye on the future.
But Jordan’s not putting all his eggs in one basket. He’s also been building something off the field - carving out a growing presence in the media world. From CBS Sports to NFL Network to ESPN, he’s shown he can hold his own behind the mic just as well as he does in the trenches.
“And at the same time, I’m also really enjoying this media space,” Jordan said. “Like the way that I’ve been attacking the media spot, like I’m having a great time here, too… I’m happiest when I’m around great people, great locker room, you know, and that locker room doesn’t have to be a football locker room.
And at the same time I’d love for it to be a football locker room. In my mind, I want to be valued.”
That last line speaks volumes. Jordan isn’t just looking for a jersey - he’s looking for a place where he’s appreciated, where his voice and presence matter. Whether that’s on the field or in front of a camera, he’s earned the right to choose what comes next.
Still, there’s a sense that unfinished business remains in New Orleans. If the Saints can find the right number - one that respects Jordan’s market value and fits within their financial framework - there’s every reason to believe No. 94 will be back in the Superdome, chasing quarterbacks and chasing one more playoff run.
The ball’s in the Saints’ court now. Jordan’s made his preference known. Let’s see if the franchise icon and the team he’s called home for over a decade can find a way to keep the story going.