Mike Payton of A to Z Sports has floated a bold trade proposal: The Detroit Lions send a 2026 sixth-round pick to New Orleans for edge rusher Cameron Jordan. It’s a classic win-now move that pairs Detroit’s young defensive front with a seasoned veteran on the brink of retirement.
TL;DR:
Lions would trade a 2026 sixth-round pick for Cameron Jordan.
Jordan’s veteran leadership and playoff experience bolster a rising defense.
Saints clear cap space and reset their roster for the future.
The move could be the spark Detroit needs to push deeper into the playoffs.
Cameron Jordan trade
Why the Lions Should Jump on the Cameron Jordan Trade
It’s simple: adding Cameron Jordan to a defensive group already loaded with potential accelerates Detroit’s timeline. Jordan may not be the perennial Pro Bowler he once was, but his football IQ and locker-room presence are still top-tier. Pair him with Aidan Hutchinson and the young DL crew, and you get a mix of youthful explosiveness and veteran savvy.
What Cameron Jordan Brings to Detroit
Leadership: Jordan’s 14 seasons in New Orleans translate into endless sideline wisdom.
Technique: He can mentor rookies on hand placement, leverage, and reading offensive schemes.
Versatility: Jordan can rush from multiple alignments, freeing up blitz packages for Detroit.
Playoff Experience: Two Super Bowl appearances mean Jordan knows what it takes when the lights are brightest.
Saints’ Perspective: Resetting with the Cameron Jordan Trade
New Orleans owns a tough cap situation and figures to hit the reset button soon. Moving Jordan’s contract off the books and netting even a late-round pick helps them stockpile draft capital. For a franchise in transition, picking up a 2026 sixth-rounder is a low-risk, long-term play.
Impact on the Lions’ 2025 Season
Detroit’s defensive staff has preached “next man up” all offseason. Jordan isn’t here to start every snap—he’s here to elevate everyone around him. Expect the Lions to rotate him on early downs, use him in sub-packages, and lean on his veteran savvy in critical fourth-quarter situations. If Detroit reaches January football, this Cameron Jordan trade could be remembered as the deadline move that pushed them over the hump.