Anchoring the Edge: Chase Young On Re-Signing Cameron Jordan, And The 2026 Saints Outlook

Anchoring the Edge: Chase Young On Re-Signing Cameron Jordan, And The 2026 Saints Outlook

In the transient world of the NFL, "home" is a concept often chased but rarely found. For Chase Young, a player who has navigated the high expectations of being a No. 2 overall pick and the uncertainty of mid-season trades, New Orleans has finally provided that elusive stability. But as the Saints look toward the 2026 season, the cornerstone of that stability, veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan finds himself in the unfamiliar territory of free agency.

For Young, the path forward for the Saints' defense is clear, and it begins with ensuring No. 91 remains in black and gold.

"Cam is a big staple to New Orleans," Young said recently. "He's done a lot for the Saints. So, it's definitely important (to get him back)."

Young’s sentiment isn't just locker room diplomacy; it’s a reflection of the "stamina for greatness" that Jordan has personified for 15 seasons. For a defense that finished the 2025 season ranked 9th in the league, the veteran presence of Jordan and linebacker Demario Davis has been the North Star for younger talents like Young and Carl Granderson.

The Mentor-Protégé Dynamic

Since arriving in New Orleans in 2024, Chase Young has undergone a career resurgence, posting career highs in sacks (10) and tackles for loss (11) during the 2025 campaign. He attributes much of this growth to the daily blueprint laid out by Jordan. While Young, at 26, represents the explosive future of the Saints’ pass rush, Jordan, at 36, represents the technical mastery and professional consistency that Young lacked in previous stops.

Keeping Jordan isn't just about the 10 sacks he provided last season. It's about the "standard" he sets by being the first person in the building every day. For a team building around a young quarterback like Tyler Shough, having that veteran accountability on the other side of the ball is invaluable.

Navigating the Business of Football

The Saints have already begun clearing the financial runway, recently restructuring Young’s own contract to create over $10 million in cap space. This flexibility is a signal that Mickey Loomis and the front office are preparing to make moves, but the Jordan situation is more than just a math problem.

Jordan has expressed a desire to stay, but he has also been candid about his value, stating he wants "respect and recognition" rather than just chasing the highest bidder. With three potential landing spots on the table, the Saints are in a race to prove that the "staple" of their franchise still has a home in the Superdome.