All good things must come to an end, and New Orleans Saints fans believe they’re witnessing the end of Cam Jordan’s career. This realization came after New Orleans’ Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. In a defensive battle that finished 15-12, the veteran defensive end only played 20 total snaps— that’s the lowest of his career not including games he dealt with injuries.
Fans noticed how often he was on the sideline during the game, and it became a conversation amongst fans and media members. On Monday, head coach, and defensive play caller, Dennis Allen was asked about Jordan’s limited snaps, and in true Dennis Allen fashion, he gave a very transparent answer.
Allen said fans can expect to see more of Chase Young and Carl Granderson moving forward, and while Jordan is still vital to New Orleans, the head coach believes the two younger defensive ends are more effective for what the Saints want to do. Allen insisted this was no disrespect to Jordan, but was honest about the reality of football unfolding this way for everyone who sticks around long enough.
Dennis Allen says Cam Jordan will receive limited snaps for Saints
It’s never fun to watch a legend like Jordan descend downhill, but this is a development the team, fans, and even Jordan himself all saw coming. After going to six straight Pro Bowls, the star defender had one of the least productive seasons of his career in 2023, recording just two sacks, despite starting all 17 games.
He was dealing with an ankle injury, but there was also a suspicion he just wasn’t the player he once was. Now, at 35 years old, playing his 14th season, it’s clear Jordan is near the end of the road.
He hasn’t been running from that reality, making a transition into the media space in recent years, and even saying that his clock is ticking. The eight-time Pro Bowler has also been clear about the fact he has one thing left to accomplish: bringing a Super Bowl championship to New Orleans.
With the way things are going, this could be his last chance to do so. After this season, Jordan has one more year on his contract, but if he’s already being relegated to a rotational piece, this season could be his last ride.
