Saints reach contract extension with Cam Jordan

The New Orleans Saints have signed All-Pro defensive end Cameron Jordan to a three year contract extension, in news first reported by Adam Shefter of E.S.P.N. on Tuesday morning.

Jordan, who will turn 30 on July 10, is one of the best defensive players in the NFL and a New Orleans fan favorite. He was a 1st round draft choice in 2011 (24th overall) out of the University of California. He has never missed a game in his eight years with New Orleans, and has started 127 out of 128 regular season contests. Jordan has 71.5 career quarterback sacks, and four seasons of double digit totals. He also has forced 10 fumbles, recovered 9 fumbles, intercepted 2 passes (returning one for a touchdown) while accumulating 409 career tackles, 98 for loss. He has been voted to four Pro Bowls, including an All-Pro selection in 2017.

Jordan was originally set to make 8.65 million in base salary this season. His contract wasn't scheduled to expire until 2021, but could have provided an out after the 2019 season, making him a free agent. The new deal provides more financial security for Jordan, and keeps him locked up with the Saints until 2023.

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Cam Jordan is one of the NFL's best, but most underrated defenders. He provides not only a disruptive presence as a pass rusher, but has always been an outstanding run defender as well. An important team leader, Jordan's now stable contract situation should allow the Saints to focus on other contracts of some of the other of their biggest stars. Namely wide receiver Michael Thomas, whose current deal expires after this coming season.

Smart maneuver by the Saints front office on this day though, for locking up one of the league's best players and best people.