Cameron Jordan, Saints agree on 5-year, $60 million extension

New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan earned a massive contract extension on Tuesday morning to stay with the team.

Last year, the New Orleans Saints defense was one of the worst in the league, ranking 31st in yards allowed and 28th in points allowed. This was particularly evident in the running game, which ranked 31st in the league and suffered from players missing tackles and not taking good angles on plays.

Yet, defensive end Cameron Jordan has been one of the few bright spots in that group, and Tuesday morning the Saints have decided to give him the extension he’s earned.

Big move in New Orleans, as Saints + DE Cam Jordan have agreed to a 5-year extension worth up to $60 million, source tells @FOXSports1
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 2, 2015

Cam Jordan gets $33.8 million in guaranteed money from the Saints, including nearly $27 million in the next two years.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 2, 2015

Jordan quickly tweeted out a photo of him signing the contract (although clearly he isn’t signing anything; he’s not even looking at the paper).

Way up!I feel blessed!Honestly couldn be more excited to be apart of WHODATNATION for the foreseeable future #whodat pic.twitter.com/UbQi2ohgAT
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) June 2, 2015

Jordan has been one of the best defensive players on the Saints. As a 3-4 defensive end, Jordan did well eating up attention along the offensive line, allowing Saints defenders on the second level to make plays, or at least attempt to make plays.

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Statistically, Jordan had a solid year, recording 51 tackles, 7.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception, all exceptional considering he was playing in a 3-4 defense that limits his measurable output. But his impact was more readily seen in the pressure he brought and his solid run defense.

Although it is a bit high, a five-year, $60 million extension will help the Saints keep their best defensive player alongside cornerback Keenan Lewis. However, this extension limits the New Orleans’ flexibility moving forward. After a down year that saw the Saints miss the playoffs in an atrocious NFC South, the roster has been in transition, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Locking up Jordan gives defensive coordinator Rob Ryan an anchor, but it makes the possibility of quicker rebuilding less possible.

The Saints already have $160 million committed in cap space for the 2015 season, and while that will ease up in later years, the Saints will still be lean (still $145 million in 2016 WITHOUT Jordan’s contract). There will need to be a defensive overhaul for New Orleans to return to the top of the South.

Jordan will apparently be a part of that. He fits the defense on the field, but he might not accommodate the Saints’ front office.

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