As the New Orleans Saints go about their quiet rebuild, rumors have been simmering over the future of veteran defensive staple Cameron Jordan.

While no deal has been made official, a new report recently tossed a proposal on the table where the Saints send the veteran defensive end packing for future draft assets, fueling debates over loyalty, value, and legacy.

Saints Enter Rebuild Mode with Potential Trade Chips

NFL Trade Rumors: Saints Want to Enter Soft Rebuild Mode NFL Trade Rumors: Saints Want to Enter Soft Rebuild Mode
New Orleans Saints

Following a decent 2023 season and minimal roster upgrades going into 2024, it's apparent the Saints are resetting. Though New Orleans hasn't committed to a full-fledged rebuild, overtures such as pursuing trades for veterans in the vein of what they entertained with Marshon Lattimore indicate a shift in strategy.

Among the big names that are now involved in trade discussions is Cameron Jordan, a defensive presence and locker room favorite, according to Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski.

The Saints, Sobleski reports, might trade Jordan for a 2026 fifth-round selection and a 2027 sixth-round selection. While these selections don't represent blockbuster value, they represent value for a player who has a contract expiring after the 2025 season that will leave a huge $18.76 million in dead cap in 2026, whether he's traded or not.

Slowing Production Increases Chances of Trade

From a football standpoint, Jordan's in-game contribution has begun to diminish. In the last two seasons, the 35-year-old has recorded only six sacks playing less than half of the Saints' defensive snaps. Moreover, converting Jordan to a 3-4 defensive system—a significant departure from the 4-3 base he's played almost his entire career could further reduce his value.

Considering his age and decreased production, cashing in on whatever Jordan's value may still prove to be a good long-term move for the franchise.

Trading Jordan Has a Cultural Price

But there's a catch. According to Saints Wire, Cameron Jordan is not just another player since he's a franchise player. A trade would not only affect the Saints on the field but could rock the locker room and fan base of the team.

Jordan has already committed to taking a significant pay cut in order to remain in New Orleans. From the looks of it, he wants to stay longer. To date, he's publicly stated he has no intention of asking for a trade.

All that being said, however, if the Saints start the 2025 season with a series of losses, Jordan may rethink his position. At this juncture in his career, pursuing a Super Bowl ring may begin to trump the need for continuity.