Sports Illustrated's Peter King reported Monday that the New Orleans Saints are open to trading defensive end Cameron Jordan and guard Jahri Evans. This doesn't come as much of a surprise after the team already traded tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Kenny Stills and has gone into a rebuilding mode.
The Oakland Raiders have glaring needs along the offensive line and at defensive end. However, Evans will turn 32 this summer and the Raiders are trying to get younger. Sacrificing a mid-round pick for an aging O-lineman may not be high on general manager Reggie McKenzie's To-Do list. Jordan, however, would be a perfect fit. The 2011 first-rounder is still just 25-years-old and is supremely talented.
"As for Jordan, I think it would make great sense for Oakland to pursue the former University of California pass-rusher at the right compensation price," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "I might balk at the idea of Oakland sending the No. 35 overall pick for Jordan, but if the Saints would take No. 68 for Jordan I could see it."
Jordan may not be an elite pass-rusher but he's still one of the better defensive players in the NFL. He has 28 sacks over the past three seasons including 12.5 in 2013. The Raiders managed just 22 total sacks as a team last year.
Jordan comes from a 3-4 defense but Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio has proven that he can work with all types of schemes and players. He would figure out a way to put Jordan in a position to succeed alongside linebacker Khalil Mack.
"However, there are no guarantees Jordan will be available," Williamson wrote. "The Saints have talked extension with him, and they are not deep at defensive end. But if the Saints truly are entering the idea of trading Jordan, I believe the Raiders should investigate it."
