How can the New Orleans Saints get better before the 2020 season? Theyve already begun working on that by signing free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, a two-time Pro Bowler who is one of the few route-runners in the league who can match Michael Thomas step-for-step. But what about the defense?

Cameron Jordan has some ideas. When browsing a list of available defensive linemen, the All-Pro pass rusher circled one name in particular: Dion Jordan, the third overall pick in the 2013 draft out of Oregon. He has spent recent years playing for the Seattle Seahawks and formerly-Oakland Raiders, having missed a lot of time after a 2015 suspension for violating the leagues performance-enhancing substance policy.

Hes played just 24 games in the last three years while dealing with a 2018 knee injury and a suspension related to an expired therapeutic use exemption for Adderall, and Jordans stat line isnt going to raise many eyebrows; in those 24 games, hes created 7.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits, along with eight tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. But the Saints Jordan sees more than a box score.

The veteran identified the free agents tools as, flexibility, inside rusher as well as outside rusher, pointing to the younger Jordans success in creating pressure from all over the defense front, crediting it to rare flexibility for such a tall lineman (the prospect tips the scales at 6-foot-6, 284 pounds).

On top of that, Jordan sees a vision where they could both coexist in certain packages, such as an all-defensive ends look featuring both Jordans lined up upside, with Marcus Davenport and Trey Hendrickson flanking them. Another lineup he proposed would be a package calling for five linemen with hands in the dirt, bookended by himself and Davenport on the edge with interior linemen Sheldon Rankins and David Onyemata inside next to the other Jordan.

Hes certainly painting an intriguing picture. When Jordans playing days are over, a coaching career could be ahead of him, assuming he doesnt get a job in the media. But back to his point about adding another Jordan: it would be a fascinating pickup, especially if he can steer clear of further suspensions.

The Saints defensive line was a strength of the team but got whittled down late last season with injuries. Adding someone like the other Jordan to the mix would make sense for the reasons already discussed. And its not like the Saints arent familiar with him; Jordan was picked by then-Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, now the head of the Saints college scouting department. Its something worth watching.

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Cameron Jordan lobbies for the Saints to sign ex-first round pick Dion Jordan - Saints Wire