KC Chiefs could break tradition in free agency to reunite Steve Spagnuolo with a future Hall of Famer he coached 14 years ago
The Chiefs should be interested in Saints DE Cam Jordan when he hits the free agent market.
With 2026 NFL free agency on the Kansas City Chiefs’ doorstep, one big problem they’ve got to solve is the pass rush.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach’s typical modus operandi in free agency is to go after young players who are seeking a second contract, but can’t get one from their original team for one reason or another. Pass rushers are hard to find and don’t typically make it to free agency as a premium position in the league. So, what should Veach do if he can’t find exactly what he’s looking for? An opportunity has presented itself for Kansas City to stray from that method and target a veteran who played for Steve Spagnuolo over a decade ago.
The New Orleans Saints are expected to let DE Cameron Jordan reach 2026 NFL free agency. The former 2011 first-round draft pick out of California is the organization’s career sack leader (132) after spending 15 seasons in The Big Easy. For the first time in his career, Jordan is a free agent and will have the chance to choose his team.
The Chiefs will have an opportunity to reunite Steve Spagnuolo with Saints DE Cam Jordan in free agency
The 36-year-old Jordan played for the now-Chiefs defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, in 2012. It was just Jordan’s second season with New Orleans after being selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. In his lone season under Spags, Jordan recorded single-season best marks of 67 total tackles and three forced fumbles, along with eight tackles for loss, eight sacks, two fumble recoveries, and three passes batted. At 6-foot-4 and 287 pounds, Jordan fits the mold that Spags is looking for in his defensive ends. He’s a powerful, high-effort player who still boasts elite quickness as he enters his 16th year in the league.
Why does signing Saints DE Cam Jordan make sense for the Chiefs?
Jordan is an eight-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro, and a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team, but the one thing that has still eluded him is a Super Bowl title. Yes, the Chiefs are coming off a down season, but if Jordan wants to chase a Super Bowl ring at the end of his career, there are few better places to do so. They’re also hoping that last season was merely a blip.
On Kansas City’s side, there’s going to be some hesitation based on his age, as he’ll be 37 years old by Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. However, Jordan has been incredibly reliable throughout his career, starting every regular-season game (242 games) since he was with Spags in 2012. He’s still quite productive, with 10.5 sacks in 2025, more than he had in 2012 with Spags. Pairing him with George Karlaftis, Chris Jones, and whichever young players round out the team’s defensive line could be really useful for the team’s long-term growth and development. Especially when you consider that some of the best pass-rushing groups under Spags have had a veteran edge rusher in the room (Terrell Suggs, Melvin Ingram, Carlos Dunlap).
What might DE Cam Jordan cost the Chiefs?
Looking around the league, the edge rusher market isn’t exactly cheap. If the Chiefs actually want to add an impact player, they’re going to have to shell out some money. Danielle Hunter got a one-year extension worth $40 million after a 15-sack season with the Houston Texans. Khalil Mack, who is right around the same age as Jordan, is coming off a 5.5-sack season and just got a one-year deal worth $18 million. Mack is the much closer comp to Jordan, in terms of age and production, as Jordan is coming off a 10.5-sack season in New Orleans. OverTheCap estimates his market value at over $12 million, but I’d wager it’s probably closer to the $15 million to $20 million range.
Kansas City Chiefs News
Kansas City Chiefs bring back one of their longest-tenured players before 2026 NFL free agency period begins
The Kansas City Chiefs have brought back LS James Winchester for a 12th season.
