Cam Jordan has played 15 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, putting him ahead of almost every player in franchise history in terms of franchise longevity. He set a franchise record for shutouts in games, but there’s no guarantee he’ll stay in the game for a 16th straight year.
The veteran defensive end is set to hit free agency after recording 10.5 sacks last season. Contract negotiations are next on the list, and whether he returns depends on both sides finding an acceptable number.
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Jordan’s performance in 2025 gives him leverage, but he’s also realistic about what happens when you reach a certain age in the NFL.
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Cam Jordan walks the NFL Awards red carpet ahead of Super Bowl 60 at the Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
He recently spoke to TMS Sports and didn’t shy away from the business side of things. Jordan knows the market treats a 36-year-old differently than someone in their 20s, even with adequate production.
“If you have a 10-sack season, if I were 26 years old, I would be asking for top dollar,” Jordan said. “I never asked for the highest price. All I asked for was to be valued.”
There’s always a gap between what players think they deserve and what management is willing to give. Jordan will make $6.02 million before incentives in 2025, and his best season since 2022 should increase that number.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan pressures former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
Spotrac notes that his market value is around $6.8 million per year, which won’t derail the Saints’ salary cap situation.
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Most expect Jordan to return in 2026. But the thought of him elsewhere still stings because he’s more than just statistics and Pro Bowl recognition in New Orleans.
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