Cam Jordan has been the heartbeat of the New Orleans Saints’ defense for over a decade. He was drafted 24th overall in 2011 and’s been with the Saints ever since. But the veteran says there was a moment not too long ago when he wasn’t sure he’d still be wearing black and gold.
Cam Jordan Opens Up on a Frustrating 2024 Season
Jordan is 36 now, entering his 15th NFL season. He’s played through good years, bad years, and everything in between. But 2024 almost broke him.
On “THE SET” podcast with former Saints tackle Terron Armstead, Jordan explained how friction with defensive line coach Todd Grantham nearly pushed him out.
“There was a game last year that I walked off into this tunnel, and I made a phone call, and then the next day we released probably the worst D-line coach I ever had,” Jordan said.
Terron Armstead asks Cam Jordan on how close he was to leaving New Orleans at any point in his career
“There was a game last year that I walked off into this tunnel, and I made a phone call, and then the next day we released probably the worst D-line coach I ever had.”
via… pic.twitter.com/rOoThPwhhc
– Saints Tape (@SaintsTape) August 8, 2025
Grantham, hired in 2023 after years as a college defensive coordinator, was reassigned to an advisory role late last season after head coach Dennis Allen was let go. Jordan hinted that Grantham’s coaching style was too complicated for a position he believes should be kept simple: “see ball, get ball.”
Jordan’s Role Shifts After Saints’ Midseason Coaching Changes
Jordan didn’t say which game it was, but the timing matches the stretch when the Saints made several midseason staff changes. Darren Rizzi stepped in as interim head coach, and Jordan’s role increased. He played more snaps and was more involved, though he finished the year with just four sacks.
Even so, his influence in the locker room didn’t waver. And in 2025, he’s on the verge of making history. With 226 games played, Jordan needs only three more to pass Drew Brees’ franchise record 228. No active Saint is even close to that mark.
Why Jordan’s Decision To Stay With the Saints Is Crucial for 2025
Rumors about his future swirled earlier this offseason, but Jordan clarified that he wasn’t going anywhere. For a defense now led by new coordinator Brandon Staley, keeping a cornerstone like Jordan is more than just sentimental; it’s a stabilizing move for a team in transition.
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The defensive line will look different this season, and Jordan knows this could be his last NFL run. With a fresh staff and a chance at history, he has every reason to go all out.
If the passion that kept him in New Orleans last year carries over, the Saints might get one more vintage season from their longest-serving star.
