Cincinnati Bengals
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The Bengals were linked to Cameron Jordan in free agency
The Cincinnati Bengals were busy during the first week of free agency as they signed three players who seem like they could be key contributors for the team during the 2026 season. After the Bengals’ defense has struggled for three straight seasons, finishing with their worst season in 2025, they felt the need to be aggressive in free agency.
However, perhaps the biggest move was not an addition, but the departure of All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who signed with the division rival Baltimore Ravens. While Hendrickson’s tenure in Cincinnati was undoubtedly a success, and he will go down as one of the best free agent signings in Bengals history, the relationship deteriorated over the years. As a result, when Hendrickson hit free agency after the 2025 season, the expectation was that he would depart.
Despite the additions the Bengals made, which included edge rusher Boye Mafe,who signed a three-year, $60 million contract, the team still lacks a true pass rusher to replace Hendrickson’s production. Fortunately for Cincinnati, there are still options available in the open market, and one of them is eight-time Pro Bowl selection Cameron Jordan.
Cincinnati Bengals Seen as Landing Spot for Cameron Jordan
Despite Jordan’s age, 36, he has remained productive throughout his career. He is coming off a 10.5-sack season in which he recorded 15 tackles for loss, which were his most since the 2019 season.
Jordan has spent his entire 15-year career with the New Orleans Saints, but he has stated that he is open to leaving New Orleans in free agency for the right price. Jordan has amassed over $147 million in his career, according to OverTheCap.In a CBS Sports article by Shanna McCarriston and Carter Bahns, the Bengals were listed as one of Jordan’s potential landing spots.
They wrote, “The Bengals are in desperate need of help on the defensive front with Trey Hendrickson out of the picture. There is no one-for-one replacement for a star edge rusher of that caliber, but Jordan is the kind of reliable force who can guarantee production while saving Cincinnati a bit of money. Assuming Jordan commands a modest contract entering his age-37 season, the Bengals could use the leftover cap space to boost a defense that has held them back for far too long.”
Cameron Jordan’s Potential Fit in Cincinnati
Regarding Jordan’s potential fit on the Bengals’ defense,Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell wrote,“The Bengals desperately need help along their defensive line. They’ve already added Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen along their front, but they have to do more. Adding Jordan would boost the run defense, which was the worst unit in the league last year. It would also boost the pass rush, which is going to struggle after losing Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai in free agency.”
Jordan would be a fitting replacement for Trey Hendrickson, as the Saints once allowed Hendrickson to leave in free agency as they already had Jordan on their defensive line. Aside from his impressive double-digit sack numbers, Jordan also finished the 2025 season as the fourth-best run defender among edge defenders,according to Pro Football Focus.