Saints, Cam Jordan agree to two-year extension heading into his 13th season

Cam Jordan and the Saints re-upped Friday for the third time in his 13-year career — technically his fourth contract with the team, but the third one he has "earned," as he put it in a press conference surrounded by family.

Jordan and the Saints agreed to a two-year contract extension worth an additional $27.5 million before he was scheduled to become a free agent in 2024, sources told NewOrleans.Football.

The two sides were only a tad bit behind their usual schedule this time, reaching the deal on August 4. Back in 2015 and 2019, they signed extensions in early June. But it remains notable how smoothly these deals have always gone, since they have always been such obvious win-wins.

Jordan, now 34 years old, remains among the NFL’s elite defensive linemen, and he absolutely remains among the most essential pieces on a Saints roster with lofty goals this season.

“Coming up as a kid with dreams of playing in the NFL and being embraced by the city of New Orleans,” said Jordan, who thanked dozens of current and former teammates and people throughout almost every department in the building. “It’s been such a phenomenal experience, I couldn’t see myself being anything but black and gold.

“Luckily I don’t think I’ll ever have to see myself being anything other than black and gold. ... I can’t wait to give everything to the Saints, to my family, to the community for another three years.”

New Show: Can Michael Thomas return to form?📺: https://t.co/aM7pjGbF3K@pjscoffee | @nofnetwork pic.twitter.com/x8pUI87PGk— NOF (@nofnetwork) August 1, 2023

Jordan was averaging $17.5 million per year (plus incentives) on his previous extension — which had him ranked tied for 20th among all NFL defensive linemen, according to Over the Cap. At the time Jordan signed that extension four years ago, he became the seventh highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL.

Once again, this deal is clearly not about setting a new bar for the position. But both sides obviously continue to recognize the value of creating long-term security for a franchise cornerstone.

Even at age 34, Jordan remains the one sure thing on a revamped Saints defensive line heading into this year.

As usual, Jordan didn’t threaten any sort of holdout before this extension came together, participating in OTAs, minicamp and training camp as he always does with higher attendance than is typical of most veterans. He did, however, happily agree to a rare veteran rest day Friday.

“For me, it’s all about, “What can I do to get better, what can I do to hone my craft?’” Jordan said of why he has always relished practice. “This is the time period to do so. This is what I look forward to, putting pads on. You put pads on, it’s beautiful. You put those Jumpman cleats on, paired with the Jumpman gloves and the Saints fleur de lis on the shoulder with the shoulder pads underneath the jersey … I’m looking to hone my craft and inflict damage.”

Jordan has always backed up his vow to be a “Saints lifer.”

“My dad (tight end Steve Jordan who was in attendance for Friday's press conference) played for the Vikings for 13 years,” Jordan pointed out after his last extension. “I always said I want to be with the same team for the rest of my career.”

When asked last week how long that career might last now that he has caught up to his dad in Year 13, Jordan said he wants to play at least 15 seasons, “and then we’ll see where we go from there.”

“I will be trying to win a Super Bowl. I want to take Derek Carr back to Vegas (where this season’s Super Bowl is being held). I want to be the No. 1 defense and have the No. 1 offense. But it only matters what we earn,” Jordan said. “So my goal right now is to speak Year 15 into existence, but focus on Year 13.”

Cam in the Derek Jeter Air Jordan 9 “RE2PECT” cleats pic.twitter.com/gyosUxsC2k— NOF (@nofnetwork) July 31, 2023

Jordan tallied 8.5 sacks last year while passing Rickey Jackson as the Saints’ all-time franchise leader in that category with 115.5. Just as impressive is Jordan’s 192 career games played, missing only two games because of COVID in 2021 and an eye gouge in 2022.

Though his sack pace has slowed down a bit, he has never dipped below 7.5 in a season since his rookie year. And he reached 12.5 just two seasons ago. He also remains just as valuable as a run defender, with a versatility that allows him to combine power and speed and inside-outside flexibility.

The 6-foot-4, 287-pounder is an eight-time Pro Bowler who was selected as a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and a second-team All-Pro in both 2018 and 2019. His commitment to the New Orleans community has been just as remarkable, where his non-stop energy level can be seen with a visit to a school or some other program throughout the region on every Tuesday off-day throughout the season. He was named the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in both 2017 and 2021.