Cam Jordan? Here’s The Latest On The Bears And The 8-Time Pro Bowler
Only one position hasn’t been addressed by the Chicago Bears in free agency to this point. That is an edge rusher. Their one move at that spot was bringing back Daniel Hardy, and that was a special teams decision. Their rotation took a minor hit when Dominique Robinson left. Dayo Odeyingbo won’t return from his Achilles injury until maybe the start of the regular season. The Bears have serious concerns at that spot. Though most of the big names have already been scooped up, Cam Jordan is not one of them.
The eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end became a free agent for the first time in his career this month after spending 15 years with the New Orleans Saints. Though 37 years old, he had 10.5 sacks last season, proving he can still go despite his age. People have waited to see what he’ll do. The only things known are that he intends to play in 2026, and it will likely be for a new team. Jordan appeared on Terron Armstead’s podcast recently with an update. Three teams are on his list.
The Bears are on the short list for Cam Jordan.
People close to the situation in Halas Hall informed SM that the organization and the future Hall of Famer have been in contact for some time. Talks remain cordial and ongoing. Jordan hasn’t made a decision and seems content to weigh his options carefully. This is nothing new for players of his age. Older veterans usually don’t feel the pressure to get the ball rolling. Jordan is known for being intelligent and outspoken. He won’t do anything until he’s certain his decision is what is best for him.
Chicago certainly has some things going for it. The defensive end will want to join a contender. He remains without a Super Bowl ring and will want to go somewhere that gives him that opportunity. The Bears were close to reaching the NFC Championship last season. They have the offense in place. A solid defense is the one missing ingredient. Also, they employ Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator. He and Jordan worked together for ten seasons in New Orleans. That familiarity will be a big selling point.
Jordan would ease pressure on the Bears ahead of the draft.
Right now, almost everybody agrees that a pass rusher is the team’s top need going into April. It doesn’t matter if it’s interior or edge. They don’t have enough of either. Adding Cam Jordan would soften that a little. They would have a solid three-man rotation of him, Montez Sweat, and Austin Booker. Bears general manager Ryan Poles would then be free to play the board as it falls. If a top edge rusher is there? Take him. If it’s a defensive tackle, a safety, or a linebacker? Take them. The Bears would be free to grab the best talent.
This is something teams often do. If you leave yourself saddled with an unaddressed position in March, you’ll also have to address it early in April. That is what happened to the Bears in 2023. They needed offensive tackle help that year but failed to sign any of the prominent free agents. As a result, Poles used the 10th overall pick on Darnell Wright, who many felt was a reach. Thankfully, it worked out, but this is not a scenario the Bears want to be in again. Signing Jordan wipes out the last such risk.