The Detroit Lions have one less option to address their pass-rushing depth.
On Tuesday, veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan signed a one-year, incentive-laden deal with the New Orleans Saints, his home since entering the league as the No. 24 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
While his long history in New Orleans always made a departure unlikely, he would have been an excellent option for Detroit, which has questions at defensive end behind star Aidan Hutchinson. With Jordan no longer on the free-agent board, the Lions must explore other options for a proven edge defender.
Lions miss out on long-shot potential FA as Cameron Jordan re-signs in New Orleans
Jordan, a 15-year NFL veteran, has been remarkably durable during his career, only missing two games and playing all 17 games each of the past three seasons.
Considering the Lions' rough recent injury history, the eight-time Pro Bowler would have been a defensive anchor and the perfect pass-rushing complement to Hutchinson. As a strong run defender, Jordan would have also provided a boost to a rush defense that allowed 4.4 yards per carry last season and 133.3 yards per game from Weeks 9-18.
During free agency, Jordan told former teammate Terron Armstead on his "The Set" podcast that he was considering three teams, and while he never divulged the other teams besides New Orleans, the Lions were viewed as a logical, ideal landing spot. With Lions coach Dan Campbell having previously spent time on Sean Payton's Saints staff, the common connection made a union more possible.
With Jordan unavailable after re-signing with New Orleans, Detroit may have to get creative adding at the position. The Lions already made some additions, but more are likely needed. In March, they signed former Carolina Panthers edge D.J. Wonnum and former Dallas Cowboys edge Payton Turner. During the 2026 NFL Draft, Detroit selected defensive end Derrick Moore at No. 44 overall in Round 2.
Wonnum had three sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery in 16 games (15 starts) for Carolina last season, but struggled overall generating pressure. Per NFL Pro data, he had the eighth-lowest pressure rate (eight percent) among qualifying linebackers.
Turner, a former first-round pick by the Saints, hasn't played since 2024 after missing all of 2025 with fractured ribs. He has five career sacks while only playing 674 defensive snaps, providing little upside as he enters his fifth season.
Moore has the most promise of the secondary pass-rush options, totalling 10 sacks as a senior for the Michigan Wolverines in 2025. But as the team undergoes mandatory minicamp this week and later training camp in July, it may find it needs more production from the group.
Per Over The Cap, veterans Joey Bosa, who turns 31 in July, and Jihad Ward, 32, are the only edge-rushers on the open market who played at least 50 percent of their team's defensive snaps last season. Other aging veterans remain available, but none come with Jordan's track record of production or durability.
If Jordan had left New Orleans, the Lions would have been among his best fits. But a return to the Big Easy takes that off the table. Detroit must look elsewhere for help or hope their past additions are enough.
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