Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
Getty
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the Washington Commanders.
The Denver Broncos are tracking toward a new look, specifically for one of the league’s best defenses, and Cameron Jordan stands as a reasonable if not fitting potential roster addition this offseason.
The Broncos have long been projected to have a hole along their D-line, with starter John Franklin-Myers’ contract expiring.
Franklin-Myers’ latest remarks only further that line of thinking, which could lead to Jordan.
Broncos Get Eyebrow-Raising Update on All-Pro
Cameron Jordan
GettyCameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Carolina Panthers.
Jordan, an eight-time Pro Bowler and one-time First Team All-Pro, was the 24th overall pick of the 2011 draft by the New Orleans Saints. There, he played for more than a decade under Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who held the same position down in the Bayou.
“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 now will hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on March 5. “Jordan will play a 16th NFL season and is said to be open to leaving New Orleans.”
News of Jordan’s release piqued interest around the Broncos.
“A BIG Sean Payton connection,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted on X in reaction to the news. “If JFM leaves, keep an eye on Cameron Jordan [looking eyes emoji].”
Despite his advancing age relative to football, Jordan remains one of the most durable players in the league. He has played in all 17 regular-season games for three straight seasons, missing two games in 15 NFL campaigns.
He has never missed more than one game in a season and has started 242 of 243 contests.
Jordan, who turns 37 in July, remains productive at this stage of his career. He finished the 2025 season with 47 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
“Putting together 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 asked for was to be valued,” Jordan told TMZ in February. “I look at guys like Calais Campbell …. My guy, Damario Davis, who’s a little older than me, still putting in his best seasons yet. I think they’ve always room for growth.”
The veteran, who has operated in both 4-3 and 3-4 base defenses, also recorded a pair of pass deflections, underscoring his versatility and activity level on the field. He would make a fine replacement for Franklin-Myers, one of the underrated keys to the Broncos’ defensive success.
John Franklin-Myers Draws Attention With Comments
John Franklin-Myers, Denver Broncos
GettyJohn Franklin-Myers #98 of the Denver Broncos on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jordan’s availability comes at a good time for the Broncos. Franklin-Myers, a fourth-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, attracted attention to himself, speaking as though he would not return, which continued this offseason.
“It’s an interesting process. Again, my first time going through the process. So, I’m a Bronco right now. And until the tampering period, I truly don’t know anything. And so, excited to see how it goes. Again, I truly have no idea about the process, and that’s really all I can say,” Franklin-Myers said on “The Insiders” on March 4.
“What we did last year, I think, is a signal to the league, man. That’s a great football team. They’ve done a great job of putting that roster together, top to bottom, cap-wise, player-wise, rookie-wise, everything. They did a great job, and I think that that’s going to be a successful franchise, regardless. And next year, whether I’m there or not, I’m sure that they’re going to win their games. And excited about what Sean has in store for them, and excited for whatever their future holds.”
Franklin-Myers was very clearly leaving the door open for a potential return to Denver, but is also aware that they have already extended several of his teammates, including up front.
He also knows how much effort the Broncos have or have not shown in terms of retaining him.
“Source tells Denver Gazette that impending free-agent defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers is not expected to be re-signed by the #Broncos,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson on March 5. “There have been no contract discussions by Denver on possibly bringing JFM back. He becomes a free agent Wednesday.”
Tomasson noted that the Broncos stand to gain compensatory draft picks as a result of Franklin-Myers leaving, which 9News Mike Klis equated to a trade. It would certainly soften the blow of his departure.
Cam Jordan vs John Franklin-Myers
Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before facing the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen credited Franklin-Myers with helping him get his four-year, $102 million extension, saying that he would name his beach home after him in retirement.
Franklin-Myers’ former teammate, Jermaine Johnson, has openly sent recruitment signals for the Broncos vet to join him and head coach Robert Saleh on the Tennessee Titans.
If Franklin-Myers leaves, the Broncos could look to roster Jordan, with 2025 third-round pick Sai’vion Jones still developing. The Broncos certainly do not want their defense becoming less toothsome, and having waves of reliable defensive linemen has been part of their approach.
Jordan is coming off a one-year, $6 million contract with $146.4 million earned in his career.
Spotrac projected Jordan’s market value at a one-year, $6.7 million pact, which would allow the Broncos to add him and another piece to the roster puzzle.
Franklin-Myers, whom the Broncos acquired in a draft-day trade with the New York Jets in 2024, is on an expiring, revised two-year, $15 million deal with $44.2 million in career earnings. His market value is $7.9 million annually, with Spotrac also projecting a two-year, $15.7 million pact.