For the New Orleans Saints, the 2026 season represents more than another year on the NFL schedule. It is the beginning of a new chapter under head coach Kellen Moore, and standing in the middle of that transition is one of the most recognizable faces in franchise history: Cameron Jordan.

At 37 years old and entering his 16th NFL season, Jordan is no longer being asked to carry the Saints defense by himself. Instead, his greatest responsibility may be helping a young and changing roster understand what it takes to win in New Orleans. Jordan returned to the Saints on a one-year contract in June, giving him another opportunity to finish his remarkable career where it began.

From the AMPS Magazine perspective, Jordan represents something bigger than sacks and tackles. He represents consistency, leadership and community. Selected by New Orleans in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Jordan has spent his entire professional career wearing the Black and Gold. He has become the franchise's all-time sack leader and an eight-time Pro Bowler.

WHAT DOES CAM JORDAN NEED TO DO?

Jordan doesn't necessarily need to become the 2013 version of himself. The Saints need him to become the best veteran leader he can be.

That means staying healthy, creating pressure when the defense needs a big play, setting the edge against the run and, perhaps most importantly, demanding accountability from the players around him.

The Saints have added and developed young defensive talent, including players such as Chase Young and Tyree Wilson. Jordan's experience can help turn that talent into a defensive unit capable of playing complementary football.

THE PLAYERS WHO MUST STEP UP

Quarterback Tyler Shough is obviously at the center of New Orleans' future. Entering his second season, Shough has the opportunity to establish himself as the quarterback capable of leading Moore's offense.

Chris Olave also has to become the consistent No. 1 target the Saints need. Alvin Kamara remains an important offensive weapon, while the Saints will need their offensive line and young skill-position players to create balance.

Defensively, Chase Young, Tyree Wilson, Pete Werner and the rest of the front seven have to complement Jordan. The Saints cannot expect one veteran to solve every problem. They need a collective effort.

THE MAN BEHIND THE JERSEY

Jordan's story is also a family story. He is the son of Steve Jordan, the former Minnesota Vikings tight end who played 13 NFL seasons. Cameron followed his father's football path, starring at California before New Orleans selected him in 2011.

Away from football, Jordan has made community service part of his identity. Through the Cam Jordan Foundation, he has emphasized youth development, education and mentorship. The Saints have recognized him as their Man of the Year three times, in 2017, 2021 and 2024.

Now Jordan enters another season with something to prove—not necessarily to the league, but to a new generation of Saints.

If New Orleans is going to compete in 2026, Cam Jordan must be the voice, veteran presence and defensive leader who helps set the standard. But the bigger question is whether the players around him are ready to answer that challenge.

For AMPS Magazine, that is what makes Jordan's 16th season so compelling. It isn't simply about how many sacks he records.

It's about whether the man who has been a Saint for his entire NFL career can help lead New Orleans into its next era.