After an ankle injury slowed down his 2023 campaign, Cam Jordan is looking to be back at 100% for 2024.
After 11 straight seasons of strong play, Cameron Jordan turned in a disappointing 2023 campaign. While he is getting older, and down years can happen to even the best of NFL players, another key reason was a sustained ankle injury in November that hindered his play through the back-half of the year. But the 34-year-old is looking to bounce back in 2024, after undergoing surgery to help him get back to full strength.
Currently, he is still in recovery, but the eight-time Pro Bowler told reporters that he is feeling good, and hopes to be back on the field soon for the New Orleans Saints' offseason activities.
Don’t need to wait for OTAs to see how good Saints G Cesar Ruiz looks (here with Cam Jordan at Saints Hall of Fame golf tourney)
Ruiz said he’s down from about 325 to 314, eager to play in new offensive scheme that will have linemen on the move. pic.twitter.com/NUvedH5GBT— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) May 20, 2024
He wasn't the only member of the defensive end room to need surgery, though. Recent signee Chase Young also needed neck surgery this offseason. The 25-year-old signed with the team on a one-year deal worth up to $13 million. With a chance to contribute at defensive end, he could revitalize his inconsistent career.
Saints Defensive Outlook in 2024
If healthy, the front seven looks strong
The New Orleans' front seven was mildly disappointing in 2023, as the defensive line was battered with injuries and limited with depth. Still, there were some bright spots like Carl Granderson and Bryan Bresee who helped inspire optimism for the team moving forward. Then, despite being strapped for cash, the team made plenty of quality moves to help fill out the line this offseason.
The defensive end room is now likely a four-man rotation with Granderson and Jordan as starters. But if Young can take the next step, the team will have a great pass-rushing trio to help elevate their team. Additionally, Tank Kpassagnon is a decent depth option, while young pieces like Isaiah Foskey and Payton Turner could still develop into contributors eventually.
Having Young learn from a player like Jordan, who has dominated with dependable play and well-rounded production for the large part of his career, gives the 2020 second-overall pick a chance to work under one of the best defensive ends of this era and lets him operate in an understudy role to potentially further develop his game.
Additionally, the interior defense added Khalen Saunders on a three-year, $12 million agreement to help provide some run defense in the middle. The team also added Northern Iowa nose tackle Khristian Boyd in the sixth round, who had a lot of fans in the 2024 NFL Draft media.
|
New Orleans Saints' Pass Rush - 2023 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Category |
Total |
League Rank |
|
Sacks |
34 |
T-28th |
|
Pressures |
118 |
28th |
|
Pressure % |
18.7% |
28th |
|
QB Knockdowns |
38 |
T-27th |
|
Knockdown % |
6.8% |
27th |
|
QB Hurries |
46 |
15th |
|
Hurry % |
7.3% |
T-14th |
After narrowly missing out on winning the NFC South in 2023, the team is gearing up with hopes of competing once again. If they can find a way to improve their play in the front seven, then their chances take a huge step forward.
