Bo Nix’s Denver Broncos tied to $147 million New Orleans Saints edge rusher

The Bo Nix-led Denver Broncos made their first outside wave in 2026 free agency by signing Cincinnati Bengals safety Tycen Anderson to a one-year contract on March 19. While analysts have been pairing Denver with various free agents for weeks, one name was constantly linked: Cameron Jordan. This connection is likely due to the New Orleans Saints edge rusher’s long history with Broncos head coach Sean Payton. The 62-year-old coach served as the longtime head coach in New Orleans from 2006 to 2021, while the 36-year-old defensive end has been with the Saints since 2011. Because Jordan spent most of his career under Payton’s guidance, Denver comes across as a logical destination for a potential reunion. It is no wonder analysts are still linking Jordan to Nix’s franchise. What exactly are they saying? Let’s find out.The New Orleans DE is probably looking for a Super Bowl contender. That’s one unfulfilled dream of his. Denver under Payton’s guidance almost reached the Super Bowl in 2025.Sometimes familiarity is everything: this could help Payton and Jordan strengthen Denver’s defense. They just lost John Franklin-Myers to the Cam Ward-led Tennessee Titans in NFL free agency. Bringing in a valuable veteran presence in the form of Saints DE could help strengthen the performance of younger defensive linemen, Eyioma Uwazurike and Sai’vion Jones.FanSided’s Lou Scataglia reports Denver’s defensive line is the single best unit on the roster, so keeping it that way is of prime importance. That is where a valuable veteran like Cam Jordan comes into play.In 2025, he recorded massive numbers: 47 total tackles [32 solo], 10.5 sacks, 21 hurries, five QB hits, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His PFF run defense grade was 82.1, ranking 4th among 115 qualified edge defenders. Even at 35, he’s a threat on the gridiron.His career stats as a New Orleans Saint include 763 total tackles [495 solo], 132 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, three interceptions, 67 passes defended, and one interception touchdown in 243 games over 15 seasons.He has been a consistent gridiron threat, and that level of dedication calls / screams for a Super Bowl-caliber contender. His recent remarks regarding his preferred franchise clearly signal an interest in a strong contender like Denver, who is coming off its 14-3 season.On The Set podcast, the veteran edge rusher revealed to Terron Armstead that after scoring 10.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and over 40 tackles, he believes another similar season would solidify his spot in the top 10.He acknowledged that at 36, everybody prioritizes younger players; while he does not view “younger” as “more proven than what is presented,” he admits that “potential” carries significant weight in the NFL.He further shared that he has specific values in mind regarding his next role. Value means “position and rotation.” Aiming for 10-13 sacks in 2026, he wants to be in the best possible position to produce. Denver recorded 68 sacks in 2025, ranking 5th-most sacks in a single season in NFL history. This team is not looking to overhaul its defense. But since they lost a key player, Jordan could be the missing piece they need to create a 2.0 version of their elite 2025 defense.Heavy Sports’ Erik Anderson reports that the Broncos may not require Jordan to be in his prime; they simply need someone to replace the snaps, pressure, and versatility of John Franklin-Myers. Franklin-Myers recorded 25 total tackles [12 solo], 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions over 16 games in 2025.The Saints DE could help in multiple alignments, mentor younger players, and fit naturally into Sean Payton’s culture given their rich shared history.Saints head coach Kellen Moore wants to see where free agency takes Cam Jordan. "We love Cam," Moore said during Monday's media availability at the 2026 NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix. "We think the world of Cam. It's an offseason process, it's a free agency process that every team and player get to have and so we will let that process take its course. We'll see where it takes us."According to Spotrac, the California alum is projected to sign a one-year, $6.8M contract. Over The Cap notes his total career earnings are $147M, with a career APY of $9M. While the Broncos currently have $18M in cap space and some financial flexibility, Jordan remains a hot name on the free-agent market. So, would they sign him? Remains to be seen...