The Detroit Lions are not working with a lot of cap space ahead of free agency, although it's to be expected that they'll work out a restructuring with one of Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, or Penei Sewell. That trio is a mainstay within the Lions organization, and none are expected to be going anywhere, anytime soon.
Another Lions player that fits that bill is Aidan Hutchinson, who agreed to a contract extension with the team through at least 2029. The star pass rusher had a nice bounce back from a broken leg suffered in 2024, posting 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles despite a disappointing season all around from Detroit.
In 2026, and beyond, a huge priority for the Lions is adding another formidable presence to their defensive line and pass rush. Retaining their interior defensive line is another problem, especially with two starting tackles hitting free agency. But, it was obviously an issue in 2025 for the Lions to consistently pressure the pocket, which could be solved by adding another starting pass rusher.
Enter Cam Jordan.
Lions could add the perfect sidekick to Hutchinson with Jordan signing
There are a few options on the free agency market that would make sense for Detroit and their current contention window: Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and even Trey Hendrickson would all lift the Lions' defensive ceiling from pretty good, to pretty scary. But, let's face it: Brad Holmes does not like to spend like that in free agency, which makes a Jordan deal even more palatable.
Per Spotrac, Jordan is expected to earn a 1-year deal worth $6.8 million. That's almost a steal assuming Jordan can remain as reliable as he's been his entire career. For the last three seasons, he's played all 17 games for New Orleans, racking up 16.5 sacks over that span.
He is going to be 37 to begin the 2026 season, although, that probably isn't a deterrent for Holmes or for Dan Campbell in acquiring such a big name.
Campbell also previously coached the Saints when Jordan was on the team, having been the teams' assistant head coach and tight ends coach from 2016 to 2020. That connection is huge, and could be a swaying point for Jordan as he seeks a team where he can remain competitive, regardless of his pay.
READ MORE: How the Lions got surplus value out of the David Montgomery trade
Over the last four years that Hutchinson has been with the Lions, here's a list of all the complimentary edge rushers the team has given him:
2022: John Cominsky (4 sacks)
2023: John Cominsky (2 sacks)
2025: Al-Quadin Muhammad (11.5 sacks)
Of note, in 2023, Alim McNeill had 5 sacks, and of course, 2024 doesn't really count given his injury. This year, because of how well Muhammad did, there's a good chance he walks in free agency for a bigger deal than what the Lions can offer him. That could open the door for Detroit to pair Hutchinson up with what would probably be the best pass rusher he's ever played with since being drafted.
If Holmes isn't looking to blow up his pockets on an edge rusher this offseason, Jordan is an excellent "buy-low" option to consider. Investing in the offensive line feels a bit more important, cap wise, and that's fine.
Jordan is an excellent solution to the Lions' still-remaining problem of not having an additional, reliable option at the pass rush without compromising their ability to still spend on their O-line.