While the 2026 NFL Draft is the talk of the NFL's town at this point, scores of free agent veterans are still hoping that the spotlight will turn to them at some point in the near future as teams survey their remaining roster holes and make moves to shore them up. While some vets will see their careers end with the slow silence that creeps in from a lack of interest, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan can be sure his phone will ring soon.
Jordan is perhaps the best available edge rusher on the open market, and he's a remarkably good fit for the Kansas City Chiefs at this point. But after enjoying a resurgent season into his late-thirties with the only team he's ever played for last season, it's understandable that Jordan has stated publicly that he'd like to return to New Orleans if the price is right (and if they'll have him).
What's interesting is how Rueben Bain Jr. might be the x-factor for where Cam Jordan signs next.
Bain is one of the most talented and pro-ready defensive ends in the 2026 NFL Draft class, an ultra-productive college player who showcased his skills in the national title game against Indiana just a few months ago. Bain anchored a talented Miami defensive front and is projected to provide long-term impact at the next level for the team that drafts him.
The Saints' legend might be waiting on where Rueben Bain Jr. goes in the draft.
Both the Saints and Chiefs have been linked to Bain in mock drafts over and over again, and for good reason. First, Bain's value typically brings him into view after the first few picks in the draft, as his arm length has created some distance from him being referred to as the draft's top-rated defender. It is possible that a team like the New York Jets decides to submit his name as early as No. 2, but projections keep him in the second half of the top ten.
For the Saints, Bain would be such a natural replacement for Jordan after well over a decade with the team, giving them a new cornerstone up front to team with Chase Young and company. For the Chiefs, Bain is an instant starter opposite George Karlaftis and a much-needed infusion of talent that's remarkably thin for a presumed contender. Beyond Karlaftis, the Chiefs have Ashton Gillotte and spare parts—including former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who is attempting to return from a season-ending knee injury.
The Saints have the No. 8 overall selection, which means they might beat the Chiefs to the punch. Perhaps that would open the door for a call from Kansas City to Jordan to entice him to join them as hired help. Or maybe the Saints go with help elsewhere—such as wide receiver Carnell Tate—knowing that Jordan can come back and slide back into a familiar role as a team legend.
At this point, it feels like Jordan's fortunes are tied to Bain's destination. Maybe that's not the case, and Jordan will sign with a completely different team, but the need for both teams and the amount of free-agent smoke make it seem as if their fates are linked.
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