It’s almost impossible to picture the Saints without Demario Davis and Cam Jordan. For over a decade, these two have been the heart and soul of the New Orleans defense - leaders on the field, in the locker room, and in the community. But as the 2026 league year approaches, there’s a real possibility that both could be wearing different colors come next season.
Let’s set the stage: Jordan, 36, and Davis, 37, are fresh off productive 2025 campaigns. Neither has shown signs of truly slowing down, and both have made it clear they want to suit up again in 2026. But if the Saints don’t strike new deals with them before the new league year begins on March 11, they’ll hit free agency - and that opens the door to change.
From a cap management perspective, New Orleans has every reason to get something done. If Jordan and Davis walk, the team is staring at a combined $33.1 million in dead cap charges - $18.8 million for Jordan, $14.3 million for Davis. Re-signing them gives the Saints the flexibility to push some of that money down the line, something they’ve grown quite comfortable doing over the years.
But this decision is about more than just numbers.
For years, the Saints have operated with a loyalty-first mindset, often keeping trusted veterans around longer than most franchises would. That approach has built a strong locker room culture - but it’s also delayed a full-on youth movement. Now, with new voices in the front office and a team that might be a few years away from true contention, the organization could decide it’s time to start turning the page.
There’s also the question of what Davis and Jordan want. After years of taking team-friendly deals to stay in New Orleans, they may be looking for contracts that reflect their value - not just as mentors, but as impact players. And if a contender comes calling with a clearer path to the Super Bowl, who could blame them for listening?
The Saints, meanwhile, have some intriguing young talent waiting in the wings. At linebacker, second-year player Danny Stutsman is generating buzz as someone who could be ready to step into a larger role. And while youth brings energy and cap flexibility, it doesn’t always bring the intangibles - the leadership, the experience, the standard-setting presence - that Davis and Jordan provide.
You can’t measure that kind of impact on a spreadsheet.
Watch the way Davis interacts with younger teammates - always teaching, always leading. Or listen to Chase Young, who credited Jordan last season for helping unlock his potential. These aren’t just players; they’re culture drivers.
And make no mistake, they’re still producing. Jordan led the Saints in sacks last year with 10.5, despite playing just 54% of the defensive snaps - the second-lowest snap share of his career. After a couple of quieter seasons, he proved he still has gas in the tank, especially when deployed the right way.
Davis? He was the team’s top tackler with 143 stops, and remained the glue of the defense - not just physically, but mentally. His ability to communicate, diagnose plays, and lead from the center of the field remains elite.
So where does that leave us?
The most likely outcome is the Saints try to bring both veterans back on deals that make sense for all sides - something that respects their contributions while acknowledging the team’s long-term trajectory. But it’s not a done deal. Davis and Jordan have earned the right to weigh their options, and the Saints have to decide whether to keep leaning on their icons or start turning the page.
Either way, this offseason marks a pivotal moment for New Orleans - not just in terms of roster construction, but in defining what kind of team they want to be moving forward.