With the 2026 NFL combine over, franchises have started making their moves, choosing which players to keep and which ones to let go.

This process could result in Dan Campbell bringing a talent he has seen earlier to the Detroit Lions.

The New Orleans Saints did not reach a new contract with Cameron Jordan, so he is entering free agency for the first time in his career after 15 seasons with the team. He signed a 1-year, $6,050,000 contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2025, which is finished.

ESPN's Adam Schefter took to X on March 5, 2026, to report:

"Eight-time Pro-Bowl DE Cameron Jordan, who has spent his 15-year career in New Orleans and had 10.5 sacks last season, will not have a new deal in place with New Orleans by next week and now will hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career, per sources. Jordan will play a 16th NFL season and is said to be open to leaving New Orleans."

The Lions can bank on him, and what works in their favor is that Dan Campbell knows him. Campbell joined the Saints staff as the Assistant Head Coach and Tight Ends Coach in January 2016 under head coach Sean Payton.

He stayed there till 2020, and in that time Jordan racked up some pretty good numbers.

Jordan has cemented his legacy as a New Orleans icon, amassing 132 career sacks over a remarkable 243 games. An eight-time Pro Bowler and 2017 All-Pro, the ironman defensive end has never missed more than one game in any of his 15 seasons.

Coming off a resurgent 10.5-sack campaign in 2025, Jordan enters free agency as the franchise's all-time sack leader and a guaranteed future Hall of Famer. He finished the 2025 season with 47 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.

If the Detroit Lions signed him, they would add a durable edge rusher who has been healthier than Marcus Davenport and played 590 snaps last season, more than Al-Quadin Muhammad (457).

Cameron Jordan is a Cheaper Option For Dan Campbell

There were rumors of the Detroit Lions going all in for Maxx Crosby. But the Las Vegas Raiders have asked for 2 round 1 picks and a starting-caliber player in return. If the Lions feel that's too much, Cameron Jordan can come at a lower price.

He is 36 years old and will rarely ask for a high price.

"If you get a 10-sack season, if I was 26, I’d be asking for top dollar. Things I’ve never asked for is top dollar. All I’ve ever asked for is to be valued," Jordan said back in February.

Cameron Jordan is a future Hall of Famer, someone coming with a lot of experience. And even if the Lions do get Crosby, Jordan can be a great backup.

Do you think Dan Campbell should make a move on the former Saints player? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Kalp Thaker