Icon defensive end Cameron Jordan could be a shocking cut candidate this upcoming offseason. According to ESPN, there will be several veterans on the New Orleans Saints with an “uncertain future” which means the team will have to make a few tough decisions. After losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular season finale, the Saints will turn their attention to what they will do regarding six Saints players, including Jordan who will become a cap casualty as the team will most likely build a new regime since firing Dennis Allen this past midseason. Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi couldn’t lead the Saints in the right direction to be above the .500 mark so the team will probably hunt for a new leader.
However, Jordan made it clear he wants to continue playing in the NFL but that might not happen in New Orleans. He knows it might end up elsewhere since he will account for $20 million against the salary cap but he could score a “prove it” deal with a contender this upcoming offseason if the Saints decide to release him. Originally selected in the 2011 NFL Draft, the former first-round pick made a name for himself as one of the best edge defenders in the league, notching 121.5 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries and 716 total tackles. However, Jordan hasn’t been the same the past two seasons just putting up five sacks after going 11 straight seasons with 7.5 sacks.
The good news is that he hasn’t missed a game in his career but regardless of what the Saints do, there are several teams out there who might want to take a chance on him. The Ravens, Chargers have enough talent on their defensive side to make Jordan comfortable.
“Uncertain Future” Icon Cameron Jordan Could Be Shocking Cut Candidate – Ravens, Chargers Next Possible Fits
Veteran Experience in Baltimore
To make things clear, the Baltimore Ravens offense has been carrying the majority of the season with a depleting defense. To none of their fault, they lost several veterans like Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone who had to adjust to get younger. Odafe Oweh has been performing well in the pass rush but David Ojabo doesn’t look to be the long-term answer. However, what this team needs is more balance in the experience the entire defense has since guys like Brent Urban and Broderick Washington don’t have enough experience to bring home a Super Bowl.
With that, they should take a chance on Cameron Jordan who might not be in his prime anymore but he’s a better option for the Ravens who need a reliable veteran replacement since parting ways with Clowney. Jordan could easily replicate the success that Nnamdi Madubuike is having on the field and can fill those gaps to stop the run.
Winning in the Trenches
Meanwhile, as much as Jim Harbaugh loves the run game, he wants to instill a philosophy of playing hard-nosed tackle football with their defense. The pass defense this season has been stellar for the majority of the campaign but since Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are on expiring contracts, they might have to settle to sign a few veterans on one-year deals. Mack will likely be back over Bosa since he’s been the only difference-maker holding down the fort. However, Jordan could step in when it matters on third-down possessions to stop the opposing offense from converting.
With Poona Ford becoming a free agent in March, it makes sense for the Chargers to sign Jordan who could provide this team with much more stability. Jordan is more than capable of playing the old-school style that Harbaugh wants.
The post “Uncertain Future” Icon Could Be Shocking Cut Candidate – Ravens, Chargers Next Possible Fits appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.