Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson Lead Saints Defense on All-NFC South Edge Rusher Team

The New Orleans Saints placed two edge rushers on the All-NFC South team for the 2020s: Cameron Jordan earned first-team honors while Carl Granderson secured a second-team selection. The recognition reflects the Saints' defensive improvements under Brandon Staley's scheme, particularly as Jordan returned for an additional season and Granderson has emerged as a versatile pass rusher.

Jordan's Sustained Excellence Despite Recent Struggles

Jordan compiled an impressive résumé across 65 games this decade, recording 52 tackles for loss, 39 sacks, 13 pass deflections, and seven forced fumbles. The veteran defender's production dipped noticeably between 2023 and 2024, when he managed only six sacks combined, but Jordan attributed the decline to coaching mismanagement of the position group. Outside those two seasons, his performance remained consistently productive, establishing what evaluators describe as a compelling case for eventual Pro Football Focus Hall of Fame consideration.

Granderson's All-Around Defensive Value

Granderson represents a different profile of edge rusher—one valued equally for run defense and coverage flexibility. Across 97 games this decade, the Saints defender accumulated 51 tackles for loss, 33.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, and five forced fumbles with two recoveries. While his sack totals rarely reached double digits annually, coaches have emphasized his ability to drop into coverage when defensive schemes demand it, making him arguably the Saints' most well-rounded edge defender.

Selection Methodology and Divisional Context

The All-NFC South selections employed a formula combining Approximate Value—a Pro Football Reference metric that weights snap counts and performance efficiency—with point allocations for All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl selections. First-team All-Pro designations earned ten points, second-team five points, and Pro Bowl nods three points each. The Atlanta Falcons received no selections on the edge rusher list, though recent production suggests they may appear on future divisional teams.