On the verge of free agency, the Washington Commanders will obviously be very active. Washington has more than $80 million in cap space, the most in the NFL, and needs are everywhere. The most obvious need for a Commander is a Charger or two.
Washington is expected to have several top names involved. Commanders prefer young players after signing their first contract, but there are exceptions. Could they target a young edge rusher like Arnold Ebiketi and add a veteran on a short-term deal? Future Hall of Famer Von Miller, who led the Commanders with nine sacks last season, hopes to return. He is a free agent and will soon turn 37. Still, he proved he could still make an impact without breaking the bank.
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What if another future Hall of Famer, who is about to turn 37, is an option?
The New Orleans Saints appear to be saying goodbye to franchise legend Cameron Jordan. It’s not like the Saints don’t want Jordan back, but he’s not finishing his career in New Orleans on a hometown discount after recording 10.5 sacks in 2025.
“The Saints have done nothing but show they want me to stay here. Now, what’s the price? Some would say half the price last year,” Jordan said in January, via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. “This can’t happen anymore.”
The NFL’s legal negotiation window opens on Monday, leaving Jordan free to negotiate with other teams if the Saints are unable to reach a new deal by then. Jordan’s 132 career sacks set a franchise record and are the second-most sacks among current NFL players behind Miller.
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Jordan has a remarkable track record, missing just two games in 15 NFL seasons. His 10.5 sacks last season were his most in a season since 2021 (12.5). Jordan was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times and was a member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team. He’s no one-trick pony, either. Jordan remains a solid run defender.
How much is that worth to other teams? If Jordan were free, he would have a strong market. He will likely receive a short-term deal due to his age, but he should have no problem earning at least $10 million in 2026. Certain teams made more sense for Jordan. His old coach, Sean Payton, was with the Broncos, and another former head coach and defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, was with the Bears. The Bears need edge rushers more than the Broncos do.
By 2026, Jordan could help multiple teams.
As for the generals, Jordan will be a culture fit, which will be important to general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. Jordan would be an ideal fit in an offseason with Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz and Miller expected to leave. On the court, he remains productive. Pairing Jordan with a young edge rusher could be a smart decision for Washington if it fails to find a pass rusher in the market.
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Most fans would say: “Please don’t get another old player.” Every player you sign can’t be 26 years old. You need experienced players. The key for Washington isn’t to build a team around them. Jordan would be a great short-term addition.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Future Hall of Famer could help pass rush
