Chiefs tension around Cam Jordan keeps building as options disappear

After the first wave of free agency, things are moving at a much slower pace for the veterans waiting around to see where they will play in 2026. That sort of space and time also allows for questions to be asked again and again. And as the options dwindle on the edge market, the tensions around Cameron Jordan's future linger for fans of both the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs already addressed a few positions of need—most notably, running back and defensive interior—but further help on the edge is a necessity for general manager Brett Veach before the draft begins in late April. He will undoubtedly grab further help there, but after losing Charles Omenihu, the Chiefs only have George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte providing value outside.

The market wasn't rich to begin with, but when the likes of AJ Epenesa started signing contracts, the Chiefs' need for Cam Jordan to say yes to their (hopeful) overtures has grown stronger.

It's hard to discern what's happening behind the scenes between Cam Jordan, the Saints, and the Chiefs.

Jordan is coming off of a resurgent year an incredible 10.5 sacks at the age of 36. Therein lies the tension for any offer, however. Jordan had his contract restructured last season to a one-year, $6M deal, and he's likely looking for a pay raise based on his production. However, any team is betting he won't hit the wall at 37 years old, while, if he signs with the Chiefs, learning a new system.

There's smoke coming from both sides when it comes to Jordan and the Chiefs, which is why they're the primary team mentioned in conjunction with the veteran's potential departure from New Orleans. Kansas City's greatest pass rusher, Chris Jones, went public with his hopes that Jordan joins the front line at the start of free agency. Jordan has also made sense all along as a strong fit for K.C. up front.

For his part, Jordan has every reason to want to stay with the team that drafted him—he was the Saints' first-round choice in the 2011 NFL Draft—and has stated as much. "We’ve beat this drum 3,000 times over the last five years. Until they don’t want me anymore, this is where I’ve always wanted to be. I’ve showed that time and time again and all I ask for is the right opportunity to give myself the chance to display my ability."

So far, the Saints' actions are clearing a path out of town. Even with Jordan's stated longing to return, New Orleans looks like it's ready to turn the page. The Saints already let one defensive hero—captain and linebacker Demario Davis—leave in free agency to the New York Jets. Davis wanted a multi-year deal with more guaranteed money and he found it with Aaron Glenn's team. Now the Saints aren't capitulating to Jordan either.

Jordan is not sitting on his hands either. He's at least posturing for the open market by sending smoke signals to Kansas City. After the Chiefs made Travis Kelce's return official on Monday, Jordan posted the following on social media.

Chris Jones wants Jordan. Jordan is hyping up Travis Kelce. The need for edge help is clear, and the Chiefs have demonstrably avoided having major needs going into draft weekend. The choices are also lacking if Jordan signs elsewhere. All of those elements add up to a potential marriage in Kansas City, but the Chiefs have been used like this before. Players use another team's interest as leverage all the time, and perhaps Jordan is trying to bluff New Orleans into a bit more security.

It's hard to tell exactly what's happening here, but the Chiefs have a need and Jordan needs a home. If the Saints are committed to getting younger outside, then there's a real chance he lands in K.C. Chiefs fans can only hope because the shelves are depressingly thin after someone removes Jordan from them.