Dennis Allen praised Cam Jordan but suggested there has been little discussion about signing him as the Bears weigh pass-rush options.
A potential pass-rush upgrade for the Chicago Bears is being discussed, but not in the way fans might hope: Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen indicated there has not been much conversation about bringing in veteran Saints defensive end Cam Jordan.
Chicago is searching for more pressure on opposing quarterbacks as it moves through the offseason. General manager Ryan Poles said the team will consider all options in free agency over the next two months, whether the improvement comes internally or through new talent.
In this context, Allen’s comments around Jordan carried the clearest signal yet that a reunion may not be realistic.. The veteran has spent his entire 15-year career with New Orleans. including 10 seasons when Allen was on the Saints’ staff. and he has been weighing his next steps as a free agent.. He has said he is interested in returning to the Saints or signing elsewhere rather than retiring.
Allen, speaking before the Bears rookie minicamp practice, praised Jordan’s career and status in the league. At the same time, Allen’s tone suggested the idea of Jordan joining Chicago has not been a central topic, while also leaving room for how opportunities can change “down the road.”
The Bears’ interest in adding pass-rush talent is grounded in last season’s production. Chicago totaled 35 sacks, ranking seventh-fewest in the league. Montez Sweat led the team with 10 sacks, with Gervon Dexter adding six, and Austin Booker finishing with 4 1/2.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s individual profile remains difficult to ignore.. The defensive end will turn 37 this summer but has continued to show durability and impact.. The report noted he recorded 10 1/2 sacks for the Saints last season and has never missed more than one game in a season.. His career production places him 17th all-time and second among active players with 132 sacks.
Jordan has also earned recognition at the highest level. including eight Pro Bowl selections. though his most recent selection came in 2022.. That combination of longevity and consistent availability is part of why Allen’s admiration stands out. even if the immediate likelihood of a move to Chicago appears limited.
For the Bears, the next stage of the offseason will likely focus on evaluating both internal improvements and outside additions to address a clear need at defensive end and the pass rush overall.
The significance of Allen’s remarks is less about closing the door completely and more about setting expectations for how the Bears are approaching their roster plans.. Even with Poles saying the team will look at all free-agent options. Allen’s indication that Jordan has not been the subject of much discussion suggests the team’s priority list may be shifting toward other ways to generate pressure.
Finally. the situation underscores a familiar challenge in the NFL offseason: teams can express genuine respect for a proven player without that respect translating into concrete movement.. Jordan has remained open to continuing his career. and Allen’s comments reflect both that appreciation and the uncertainty that comes with free agency.
As Bears players report and the offseason progresses, the emphasis will remain on whether Chicago can lift its pass-rush output—through familiar building blocks in-house or by adding new talent—within the same two-month window Poles described.
Bears news Dennis Allen Cam Jordan NFL free agency pass rush Chicago Bears defense Saints