Rumors are swirling that the team is close to parting ways with Dion Jordan, the third overall pick in 2013. Jordan skipped the team's voluntary workout program this off-season, which seems like a terrible idea considering he has produced next to nothing on the field in his first two seasons with the Dolphins.
But if the Dolphins are truly looking to get rid of Jordan for next to nothing, they could end up regretting it. Two wrongs do not make a right — and cutting bait on Jordan now for strictly monetary reasons could come back to bite the team. It's time to experiment with how they use Jordan, not just get rid of him because he doesn't fit in the cookie-cutter space they set aside for him. The Dolphins need more talent, not less, and if they get rid of Jordan, the team's getting a recent former number 3 overall pick could embarrass the Dolphins down the road when Jordan thrives in a more creative defensive system.
The latest rumblings about Jordan's tenure in Miami began Friday, when Dolphins execs refused to back Jordan or give an excuse for his no-show at workouts. The Dolphins went full Dolphins on the Jordan situation, and in the process of zipping up, told everyone all they needed to know.
Hickey & Tannenbaum asked if Dion Jordan has passion for the game, what it takes. They paused, said this is a pre-draft press conference.
— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonPBP) April 24, 2015
Asked directly if the Dolphins expect Dion Jordan at the mandatory camp, Tannenbaum punts. This is a story.
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) April 24, 2015
All Dion Jordan,questions sidestepped by Dolphins brass. My translation: don't expect him back.
— Dave Hyde (@davehydesports) April 24, 2015
It's a sad state for Jordan and disappointing for Fins fans. Dolphins fans were shocked when the team traded up to number 3 in the 2013 draft, because this is normally a team that plays it safe on draft day. But with Jordan, it seemed the team wanted a difference-maker, found their guy, and grabbed him. Then they proceeded to never let that guy play football. Jordan has been misused with the Dolphins, or not used at all. Only the Dolphins would trade a second-round pick for a player they seemingly desperately wanted, only to find out their coach isn't that big of a fan of the expensive player — it's maddening as a fan. The Dolphins would be making a mistake if they trade Jordan for a late pick in this year's draft. Any player they select won't have near the same skill set as Jordan. It's worth one more year to see if Jordan can put it all together, turn the corner, and decide he wants to make something of his NFL career. Giving up on him now would be premature. It's not as if the Dolphins are so stacked with talent that they can afford to give up on Dion Jordan, and the money for this season is a nonfactor this late in the game.
If Jordan were in this draft, many teams would covet him. The Dolphins shouldn't ditch him this soon. After all, just two years ago he was wrecking college football and inspiring the Fins to take him in the first place: