The NFL trade deadline is right around the corner, and the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions could be eyeing edge rusher Cameron Jordan. A first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the California product quickly established himself as one of the league’s most intimidating pass rushers. From 2013 to 2022, Jordan made eight Pro Bowl teams and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2017. While he never won a Lombardi Trophy, he was the featured piece of Sean Payton’s defense for years on end.
Unfortunately, age appears to have caught up with the veteran. Jordan recorded just two sacks in an injury-riddled 2023, and he’s continued his pedestrian play into 2024. As one of the few Saints still healthy, the edge defender has recorded just nine tackles and one quarterback hit through seven games. Perhaps this is it for Cameron Jordan, but a desperate Detroit Lions or Baltimore Ravens could trade for him and see if they can catch lightning in a bottle.
Ravens, Lions Possibly Fighting To Trade For Cameron Jordan
The Detroit Lions are firing on all cylinders, leading the NFC North with a 5-1 record while dominating opposing teams with their elite offense. While the defense has some playmakers, Week 7’s action showed just how much they miss star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. While they earned a win, the team allowed Sam Darnold’s Minnesota Vikings to score 29 points and never consistently pressured the pocket. Hutchinson is a phenomenal player, and nobody can replicate his impact on the field. However, Cameron Jordan could help minimize the loss, and that alone could justify a trade.
Now playing in his age-35 season, Cameron Jordan might not have much left in his tank. However, he won’t need to look like his 2017 self to earn a spot on the Lions depth chart. Josh Paschal and James Houston are nothing to write home about and shouldn’t be featured parts of any pass rush. Cameron Jordan shouldn’t be a three-down starter at this point in his career, but the Saints trade target could still be a valuable addition to this defense. By rotating all three players, Detroit can keep everyone fresh and increase the odds of the unit playing well deep into games.
The All-In Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are 5-2 thanks primarily to their unstoppable offense. Fresh off a five-touchdown performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lamar Jackson is playing like an MVP while running back Derrick Henry should be the Offensive Player of the Year frontrunner. While teams can win championships with an offensive-focused mentality, the defense needs to carry their weight come the playoffs. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports the team will pursue an edge rusher trade, and Cameron Jordan could be one of the top targets on their board.
While Za’Darius Smith is likely atop their wish list, it’s hard to see the Browns trading the pass rusher to Baltimore. For one, nobody wants to make a division rival better, so Baltimore would need to outbid the competition dramatically. Secondly, the Deshaun Watson injury gives Cleveland the best chance to win, as Jameis Winston is a considerably better option at this stage in their careers. The Browns could see if they can compete with the former first-overall pick under center. This leaves Cameron Jordan as arguably the best trade target, and he should do well with Baltimore’s scheme and rotation-based approach to the edge defender position.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
