San Francisco was linked to another veteran edge rusher on Thursday when Shanna McCarriston and Carter Bahns of CBS Sports identified five logical landing spots for Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints.
In addition to the 49ers, they listed the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Chargers as potential suitors.
The CBS Sports writers explained why Jordan could make sense for San Francisco.
"The 49ers remain in win-now mode and thus should be in the market for experienced and proven contributors," McCarriston and Bahns wrote. "They will also undoubtedly be shopping for pass rushers after finishing last in the NFL in sacks last season. Jordan checks both boxes and could be one of those missing pieces that help San Francisco finally get over the hump before its Super Bowl window closes."
Of course, if the goal is to continue getting younger this offseason, Jordan doesn't check every box. The veteran defender will turn 37 before the 2026 season and is entering his 16th NFL campaign.
That doesn't mean the production isn't still impressive. Jordan recorded 10.5 sacks last season and has not missed a game over the past three years.
"Injuries depleted this defense last year, and the 49ers could have used a veteran running mate for [Nick] Bosa anyway," McCarriston and Bahns added. "Jordan would be just that in 2026."
Adding a veteran like Jordan could provide a short-term boost to the pass rush while the team continues to build for the future. The 49ers are also expected to add young talent to the defensive front in the 2026 NFL Draft after using three selections on defensive linemen last year.
According to Spotrac, Jordan's estimated market value sits around $6.8 million annually, projecting a potential one-year deal in free agency.
"If you get a 10-sack season, if I was 26, I'd be asking for top dollar," Jordan recently said. "Things I've never asked for is top dollar. All I've ever asked for is to be valued."
Jordan has totaled 132 career sacks and has recorded seven double-digit sack seasons since the Saints selected him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
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