Saints career sack leader Cam Jordan adjusting to new role in Year 14

Cameron Jordan, the all-time sack leader for the New Orleans Saints, an eight-time Pro Bowler and 2017 AP All-Pro, appears determined to navigate his new circumstances with poise.

At 35 years old and in his 14th season in the NFL, Jordan participated in a career-low 20 out of 72 defensive snaps during the Saints' recent 15-12 defeat against Philadelphia. This follows his involvement in 34 of 70 defensive snaps during a win against Dallas and 27 of 59 in the season-opening victory over Carolina, amounting to approximately 40% of the defensive snaps this season.

This reduced participation marks a significant shift for Jordan, who has consistently been a dependable every-down defensive end throughout the majority of his previous 13 seasons.

Regardless of his personal sentiments regarding this change, Jordan emphasized this week that expressing dissatisfaction is not what the team requires from a defensive leader like himself.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate my leadership,” Jordan stated as the New Orleans team readied to compete against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

“There is no sense of entitlement here,” Jordan added. “Every single day, one must come out and work hard to earn their place. Our focus as a team is on winning, and personal feelings must always take a backseat.”

Five years ago, Jordan was regarded as one of the most formidable defensive ends in the NFL, achieving a career-high of 15 1/2 sacks in 2019. In 2017, he added to his impressive tally of 13 sacks by consistently batting or deflecting passes, including one that he intercepted in the end zone for a touchdown.

Throughout his career, Jordan has also demonstrated effectiveness against the run and has shown remarkable durability, having missed only two games over the past 13 seasons—one due to COVID-19 and the other due to an injury.

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In the previous season, Jordan recorded two sacks, marking his lowest total since he managed just one as a rookie in 2011. However, coaches acknowledged his commitment to playing through injuries for a significant portion of the season.

Currently, Jordan finds himself in a secondary role behind defensive ends Carl Granderson and Chase Young in the rotation. Coach Dennis Allen, who is responsible for designing and calling the defense, indicated this week that this arrangement may persist for some time.

“There is no disrespect or negative connotation towards Cam,” Allen stated, emphasizing that Jordan continues to be an “integral part” of the defense. “That’s simply how the dynamics of the game evolve at times.”

This season, Jordan has primarily been utilized as a substitute for a defensive tackle during passing situations, as part of what the Saints refer to as their “NACAR package,” which incorporates three pass-rushing defensive ends in their four-man front.

“At the end of the day, it’s always about ‘What more can I do for my team? What can I do for my teammates?’” Jordan remarked. “You must accept your new role and seize every opportunity presented to you.”

While the Saints’ defense has performed well as a cohesive unit with Jordan on the field, he has yet to record any sacks, tackles for loss, or quarterback hurries in the first three games of the season.

“Cam is a professional. He will handle it like a professional,” veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu commented. “The competitive spirit within him is undoubtedly weighing on him.”

Mathieu highlighted that Jordan's worth is not solely dependent on his capacity to disrupt quarterbacks.

"He brings significant value by mentoring the younger players in his position group and serving as a bridge between the coaches and the athletes," Mathieu stated.

"He should not feel discouraged. He is destined for the Hall of Fame one day. This phase is simply a part of his journey, as he embraces this new role," Mathieu added. "Cam has dedicated himself entirely to this organization and this community. You find yourself rooting for individuals like him. You desire their success and want them to find happiness, regardless of the circumstances."