Defensive end Cameron Jordan is entering a period of uncertainty, destined for free agency a few months shy from his 37th birthday.
Where he feels more concrete is in the future of the New Orleans Saints after a revelatory rookie season by quarterback Tyler Shough.
"I'm hoping so," Jordan told TMZ Sports when asked if Shough will be the team's franchise quarterback. "I think with him there could be a bright future. Hopefully, we continue to build upon that process that we showed last year."
The process under first-time head coach Kellen Moore was slow-going. Despite coming into the league as the third-highest drafted quarterback in Saints history and being on the much older side for a rookie, Shough lost the preseason QB battle to Spencer Rattler. The development was concerning for Shough's trajectory, especially considering he turned 26 in September.
However, Rattler's play was spotty. He went 1-7 as a starter, and New Orleans turned the reins over to Shough in November.
From there, it's been onwards and upwards, as Shough went 5-4 while throwing for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 67.6 completion percentage. He also frequently turned things loose on the ground for 186 rushing yards and three scores. It culminated in a second-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting, even after sitting roughly half the season.
It's not impossible the Saints evaluate other options under center, but Shough played well enough to earn more time as the No. 1 guy. Rattler won't be retaking that role, nor will Derek Carr if he unretires to latch on with a Super Bowl contender -- a possibility that's been reported for the 34-year-old who'd still be under contract with the Saints.
As for Jordan's future, just where Year 16 takes place is to be determined.
An eight-time Pro Bowler, Jordan has spent his entire career with the Saints, but his contract is set to void. He's the No. 83 free agent on NFL.com’s top 101 list and coming off a 10.5-sack campaign, his first double-digit effort since 2021. His 132 career sacks rank second among active players, and he's yet to miss more than one game in a single season.
The durability and productivity is still there, even if he has no expectations it will result in a massive pay day given the stage he's at in his career.
"If you get a 10-sack season, if I was 26, I'd be asking for top dollar," Jordan said. "Things I've never asked for is top dollar. All I've ever asked for is to be valued."
If the Saints hope to keep one of their franchise legends in New Orleans, they'll need to find the happy medium between bringing Jordan back on a bargain and matching his perceived value; they are one of 10 teams currently projected to be over the salary cap.
Should the sides eventually agree to an extension to stick together as they have several times before, Jordan feels optimistic about the team's prospects -- thanks in part to Shough's emergence, but also due to the mindset any player of his caliber maintains.
"I hope so," Jordan said when asked if the Saints could be on track for a deep playoff run. "Isn't that the goal? Ain't nobody going the whole offseason, thinking like, man, I hope we just win three games. I'll leave that to the Jets."
Suffice it to say, Gang Green likely won't be in the running to sway Jordan away from the Big Easy.