The New Orleans Saints have been in talks with defensive end Cameron Jordan about a long-term contract extension, according to coach Sean Payton.

No deal is imminent, but Payton told reporters at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix that the team considers Jordan part of the “solution” going forward . And the team would like to work something out long term since the former first-round draft pick is heading into the final year of his deal.

An extension also could offer some salary-cap relief for the Saints, since Jordan is playing under a one-year, $6.969 million contract that all counts against the 2015 cap. That’s the amount of the fifth-year option the Saints chose to extend last year.

Jordan, 25, had a slightly down season in 2014 compared to the lofty standard he set during his first Pro Bowl season in 2013. He dipped from 12.5 sacks in ’13 to 7.5 sacks in ’14, while the Saints’ overall pass rush was too spotty.

But the 6-foot-4, 287-pound has remained highly valued for his versatility as a standout run defender as well as pass rusher, who has been used at both end and tackle in 4-3 and 3-4 fronts over the years.

Among many other tidbits Payton shared with reporters during the hour-long sit-down on Monday, he said the Saints are committed to right guard Jahri Evans, though his contract could still be changed at some point. He said linebacker David Hawthorne will slide over to replace Curtis Lofton at the middle linebacker spot. And he spoke highly of young tight end Josh Hill and receivers Brandon Coleman and Seantavius Jones, among others.