The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS – OCTOBER 31: Will Smith #91 of the New Orleans Saints sacks Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan takes over for Will Smith

Will Smith was a fixture for the New Orleans Saints defense for a long time. He was the beating heart of that team during their darkest hour in the mid-2000s and helped pave the way for their revival in 2006 all the way to the Super Bowl three years later. He had 13 sacks that season. Sadly that would prove to be his peak. He never achieved top status again.

As this became apparent to the Saints, they began looking for players who could help ease the burden. Cameron Jordan was selected in the 1st round out of Cal in 2011. By 2012 it became apparent that he was ready to assume the mantle of primary pass rush, surpassing Smith that year. The veteran retired after that season. Jordan has since gone on to post 65.5 sacks. All before his 30th birthday.

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