The New Orleans Saints are finally turning the corner as a franchise with the help of Tyler Shough and a great rookie class.
But, even though the team is in a much better spot with their cap space than in years past, they won't be bringing all of their free agents back. But if there were one player to re-sign, it would be Cameron Jordan, the 15-year veteran defensive end.
However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Saints got some concerning news on Jordan's free agency. The legendary Saints lineman is set to hit free agency and might leave the Saints this offseason for a new team if a deal cannot be struck.
Saints' Cameron Jordan open to leaving Saints in FA
"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 will now hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career, per sources," Schefter reports. "Jordan will play a 16th NFL season and is said to be open to leaving New Orleans."
This is some very concerning news for the Saints. Losing Jordan would be a massive blow for the team this offseason for multiple reasons.
While Chase Young is a great player for the Saints, and they don't have a massive need at defensive end, letting Jordan, a franchise icon, leave in free agency feels like a mistake.
The 36-year-old defensive lineman has spent all 15 years of his NFL career with the Saints since being drafted 24th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.
He's started 242 games, recording three interceptions (one pick-six), 67 passes defended, 17 forced fumbles, 132 sacks, 763 total tackles, 175 tackles for loss, and 248 quarterback hits.
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Jordan has eight Pro Bowl selections, one first-team All-Pro, three second-team All-Pro nods, and a fourth-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.
Across 11 playoff games for the Saints, Jordan has 5.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss to go with 39 total tackles. He's been a stalwart for the Saints along the defensive line since his debut in 2011.
But now, after 15 years, he might be leaving in free agency for a new team. Jordan might still want to come back to the Saints more than any other team, but this report is still concerning for the Saints and their fans this offseason.
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