Saints sign DE Cameron Jordan to 5-year, $60 million extension

The New Orleans Saints locked up defensive end Cameron Jordan for the foreseeable future Tuesday. According to FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo, the team signed Jordan to a five-year extension worth up to $60 million, $33.6 million of which is guaranteed. He is expected to earn $27 million over the next two seasons.

Jordan was originally set to make $6.969 million this upcoming season as part of the final year of his rookie deal. His performance over the last four seasons caused the Saints to expedite an extension.

The No. 24 overall pick in 2011, Jordan racked up 28 sacks over the last three seasons. He recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2013, before dipping to 7.5 this past season. The dip reflected an overall lapse in his effectiveness -- Pro Football Focus rated Jordan 28th in the NFL at his position, but put him fourth in 2013 (and No. 2 as a pass rusher).

The Saints are banking on a return to his 2013 form. An average of $12 million per season makes Jordan one of the highest-paid defensive ends in the league, though still behind notable names like J.J. Watt, Mario Williams, Jason Pierre-Paul, Robert Quinn, Charles Johnson and Chris Long.

The extension is only one of the Saints' several significant roster moves this offseason. The biggest was a trade with the Seattle Seahawks that exchanged tight end Jimmy Graham for center Max Unger and draft picks. The team also sent wide receiver Kenny Stills to the Miami Dolphins for linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, and added cornerback Brandon Browner and outside linebacker Anthony Spencer in free agency.