While one of the most often discussed storylines of the New Orleans Saints’ offseason was focused on the potential return of defensive end Cameron Jordan, the importance of his re-signing doesn’t stop at his on-field impact.
Beneath the surface of his return is also a major improvement in one of the team’s biggest initial concerns as free agency opened.
With the departures of veterans like linebacker Demario Davis, quarterback Taysom Hill and cornerback Alontae Taylor, the temporary loss of Jordan (as it took until June for him to re-sign with the team) compounded the Saints’ loss of veteran leadership.
Now that Jordan is set to be back for one final season, New Orleans will have an easier time transitioning leadership to its younger corps over the next two seasons rather than all at once.
The Saints roster has seen a lot of turnover during the last two offseasons in particular. That’s expected when a team also revamps its entire coaching staff, like New Orleans did in 2025.
Being lucky enough that Jordan decided to return for another year, allows the Saints to maintain a large part of its culture, standard and identity while still turning the page to a new era.
The standard Jordan brings is already on display. He signed to return to the team following the first day of mandatory minicamp and was out in the field for portions of practice, including cheering on team drills from the sideline, the very next day.
That’s a gesture that won’t go unnoticed by young players and that provides an anchor point of expectation for any coaching staff member.
Jordan’s return has a major on-field impact. Which he proved with a 10.5 sack season last year, his first with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system. Now, embarking upon his swan song season in the same system brings the promise of repeated success.
But beyond the production, both team morale and the club’s standard are raised thanks to Jordan’s return. The team is better with Jordan for another season.
