The Sports Xchange

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan signed a five-year contract extension worth up to $60 million.

The 2011 first-round pick has 28 sacks in the past three season. His new deal runs through the 2020 season.

According to multiple reports, the contract includes $27 million over the next two years and $33.6 million total guaranteed.

Jordan turns 26 in July and is viewed as a cornerstone for a defense that had its hands full in 2014.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is counting on Jordan to carry a solid front seven and the return of free safety Jairus Byrd, the team’s key free agent acquisition in 2014 who missed the year after back surgery on the heels of a six-year deal averaging $9 million annually.

“I think it is also beneficial to the other 10 guys when you are talking about a veteran playing like him with regards to calls with regards to communication and leadership,” coach Sean Payton said last week.