Most think he's already got one foot out the door sighting his under production, injury history, and hefty contract, but there are compelling reasons and signs Jordan might stay in Silver and Black.
Jordan missed most of last year and in 2006, but has been in 97 regular season games over the past seven years. Its only in the last two he's been MIA, but his production in 2005 seems a long time ago.
Jordan signed as a free agent from the Jets in 2005, snagging a five year deal worth $27.5 million. His agent, Alvin Keels stated at the time Jordan would receive $11 million guaranteed and $17.8 million over the first three years.
Immediately Jordan showed production in 05', finishing his first year in with 1,025 yds, 11 TD's and 70 catches for another 500+, all in just 14 games.
Not earth shattering, but a vast improvement over 2004's rushing attack which garnered only 1,295 on 328 during their entire 5-11 season.
Their leading back that year was Amos Zereoue gaining only 425 yds on 112 carries and scoring three TD's.
Though Jordan saw limited action in the four years behind Jets super star Curtis Martin, he managed a 4.9 yd average over that time with 93 carries for 479 yds and two TD's.
After 2005, Jordan seemed like a definite upgrade.
He ran into trouble week nine on November 19th 2006, tearing his medial collateral ligament in a game against Kansas City, and missed the remainder of the season. Some fans point to his average yards per carry at 3.9 as a knock on Jordan, but honestly, if you look at Oakland's line woes in 06', it wasn't just the passing game that suffered.
Many fans weren't expecting much from Lamont in 2007 and that seemed reinforced by Oakland's signing of former Colt running back Dominic Rhodes, even though Rhodes would sit out the first four games of the season for a DUI conviction.
The addition of Rhodes seemed to fire up Jordan and despite voicing displeasure about the implementation of Tom Cable's stretch and cut blocking scheme, he started the year with a some solid numbers.
Posting 350 yds on 69 hand offs and two TD's Jordan also contributed 12 grabs for 121 yds all in the first three games of the year.
Then against Miami, Jordan seemed to throw his back out on a run late in the 2nd quarter. Up till that point Jordan had gained 74 yds on 15 carries.
Most people don't acknowledge or realize Jordan threw his back out in camp during pre season in an ill advised Home run derby, but played and played well those first three games despite the pain.
Unfortunate for him, but Oakland none the less enjoyed the 1,000 yds rushing success of his replacement Justin Fargas and lead many to speculate Jordan's demise.
To most, the selection of Darren Mcfadden with the 4th overall pick in the 2008 draft all but sealed it, yet, Jordan remains. For now...
Rumors swirling about football forums indicate some feel the Denver Broncos may be interested in Jordan, and those posters are just about equally divided as to whether Jordan playing there would help or hurt the division rival Raiders.
Preliminarily it looks as if he can run the ball and have success in the ZBS Denver also employs. With Denver, the 5-11, 230 lb Jordan could possibly again be effective even in a part time roll.
Factor in Jordan's production when healthy and he's not a bad back. In fact if he's healthy, he could have a good year.
Jordan wouldn't be asked to carry the entire load in 08'. With the addition of Arkansas phenom McFadden, Fargas' new contract and potential contributor Michael Bush coming on line, Oakland could have some good depth in the back field.
Some would say that's too many backs and the roster space could be used elsewhere, but with an offense most assume is looking to improve upon and exploit its 6th overall rushing performance in 2007, a spare back at the right price would help keep pressure off rookie starting quarterback Jamarcus Russell by providing insurance the ground game would keep going even with inevitable injuries.
Fargas hasn't played an entire season at the pro level yet, McFadden has earned a reputation for off field issues that could see him in trouble with the league at some point, and Bush hasn't taken a game snap in two years.
Lamont has had trouble staying healthy too, but in a rotation, his, and everyone elses odds of doing that, would likely improve.
If Oakland keeps Jordan, its backfield would likely consist of two big backs, Jordan and Bush, and two faster backs in Fargas and Mcfadden.
The benefit would of course be having a spare in case of injury, but it would also allow the Raiders to rest each back if it chose to not only during a game, but for halves or entire games allowing players to heal, reduce wear and tear and theoretically, be more productive.
At issue with some is the $9.7 million due Jordan through out 2009, which includes a $4.75 million dollar roster bonus this year.
There is a very real possibility Jordan could re work his contract to remain with the Raiders not only because he's here and familiar with the team, but because of Shaun Alexander.
Whether Alexander has priced himself out of the market is for others to decide, but the fact he's not signed already bodes poorly for Jordan. Teams don't appear to be in such desperate need of a running back to crack wide the vaults, and now with today's news of another 1,000 yd back on the market in troubled Travis Henry, Jordan has more competition not simply for a contract, but a roster spot with teams.
Whether Jordan would be able to land a similarly large contract is anyone's guess, but considering his last two years in Oakland, probably not, begging the question, if he's going to take a pay cut, why not do it in Oakland?
Fans have posted concern over the Broncos release of Henry today, feeling Jordan may go on to success at division rival Denver who, despite the recent signing of running back Michael Pittman, may still be in need of another back. Whether they are desperate to pay big money for Jordan is another matter.
Keeping Jordan with Oakland takes the burden off him to be an every down back, might let him showcase his wares for potential suitors next year, all the while revaluing his stock and keeping him more than likely healthier for interested parties in 09. It could also give Oakland two sets of backs. Jordan / Fargas and Mike Bush / DMC, or any combination.
With an offense likely predicated on the run this year, considering three of the current backs injury history, and the fact Oaklands O coordinator Gregg Knapp has recently stated "You can't have too many running backs," there is a case for Jordan re-working and staying through '08.
For now, like most of Oakland's reloaded team, his status continues to be a mystery.
To answer the question, "Do we want Lamont?" the answer is probably "Yes," but only at a reduced price.
For the time being, Lamont is with Oakland and his imminent departure may not be as foregone a conclusion as many seem to think.
Despite the past two seasons injuries, most who run the numbers agree, when healthy, Jordan can still play. The larger question as of this moment for Lamont and Raider fans is, will he be doing it in Silver and Black?
Jordan missed most of last year and in 2006, but has been in 97 regular season games over the past seven years. Its only in the last two he's been MIA, but his production in 2005 seems a long time ago.
Jordan signed as a free agent from the Jets in 2005, snagging a five year deal worth $27.5 million. His agent, Alvin Keels stated at the time Jordan would receive $11 million guaranteed and $17.8 million over the first three years.
Immediately Jordan showed production in 05', finishing his first year in with 1,025 yds, 11 TD's and 70 catches for another 500+, all in just 14 games.
Not earth shattering, but a vast improvement over 2004's rushing attack which garnered only 1,295 on 328 during their entire 5-11 season.
Their leading back that year was Amos Zereoue gaining only 425 yds on 112 carries and scoring three TD's.
Though Jordan saw limited action in the four years behind Jets super star Curtis Martin, he managed a 4.9 yd average over that time with 93 carries for 479 yds and two TD's.
After 2005, Jordan seemed like a definite upgrade.
He ran into trouble week nine on November 19th 2006, tearing his medial collateral ligament in a game against Kansas City, and missed the remainder of the season. Some fans point to his average yards per carry at 3.9 as a knock on Jordan, but honestly, if you look at Oakland's line woes in 06', it wasn't just the passing game that suffered.
Many fans weren't expecting much from Lamont in 2007 and that seemed reinforced by Oakland's signing of former Colt running back Dominic Rhodes, even though Rhodes would sit out the first four games of the season for a DUI conviction.
The addition of Rhodes seemed to fire up Jordan and despite voicing displeasure about the implementation of Tom Cable's stretch and cut blocking scheme, he started the year with a some solid numbers.
Posting 350 yds on 69 hand offs and two TD's Jordan also contributed 12 grabs for 121 yds all in the first three games of the year.
Then against Miami, Jordan seemed to throw his back out on a run late in the 2nd quarter. Up till that point Jordan had gained 74 yds on 15 carries.
Most people don't acknowledge or realize Jordan threw his back out in camp during pre season in an ill advised Home run derby, but played and played well those first three games despite the pain.
Unfortunate for him, but Oakland none the less enjoyed the 1,000 yds rushing success of his replacement Justin Fargas and lead many to speculate Jordan's demise.
To most, the selection of Darren Mcfadden with the 4th overall pick in the 2008 draft all but sealed it, yet, Jordan remains. For now...
Rumors swirling about football forums indicate some feel the Denver Broncos may be interested in Jordan, and those posters are just about equally divided as to whether Jordan playing there would help or hurt the division rival Raiders.
Preliminarily it looks as if he can run the ball and have success in the ZBS Denver also employs. With Denver, the 5-11, 230 lb Jordan could possibly again be effective even in a part time roll.
Factor in Jordan's production when healthy and he's not a bad back. In fact if he's healthy, he could have a good year.
Jordan wouldn't be asked to carry the entire load in 08'. With the addition of Arkansas phenom McFadden, Fargas' new contract and potential contributor Michael Bush coming on line, Oakland could have some good depth in the back field.
Some would say that's too many backs and the roster space could be used elsewhere, but with an offense most assume is looking to improve upon and exploit its 6th overall rushing performance in 2007, a spare back at the right price would help keep pressure off rookie starting quarterback Jamarcus Russell by providing insurance the ground game would keep going even with inevitable injuries.
Fargas hasn't played an entire season at the pro level yet, McFadden has earned a reputation for off field issues that could see him in trouble with the league at some point, and Bush hasn't taken a game snap in two years.
Lamont has had trouble staying healthy too, but in a rotation, his, and everyone elses odds of doing that, would likely improve.
If Oakland keeps Jordan, its backfield would likely consist of two big backs, Jordan and Bush, and two faster backs in Fargas and Mcfadden.
The benefit would of course be having a spare in case of injury, but it would also allow the Raiders to rest each back if it chose to not only during a game, but for halves or entire games allowing players to heal, reduce wear and tear and theoretically, be more productive.
At issue with some is the $9.7 million due Jordan through out 2009, which includes a $4.75 million dollar roster bonus this year.
There is a very real possibility Jordan could re work his contract to remain with the Raiders not only because he's here and familiar with the team, but because of Shaun Alexander.
Whether Alexander has priced himself out of the market is for others to decide, but the fact he's not signed already bodes poorly for Jordan. Teams don't appear to be in such desperate need of a running back to crack wide the vaults, and now with today's news of another 1,000 yd back on the market in troubled Travis Henry, Jordan has more competition not simply for a contract, but a roster spot with teams.
Whether Jordan would be able to land a similarly large contract is anyone's guess, but considering his last two years in Oakland, probably not, begging the question, if he's going to take a pay cut, why not do it in Oakland?
Fans have posted concern over the Broncos release of Henry today, feeling Jordan may go on to success at division rival Denver who, despite the recent signing of running back Michael Pittman, may still be in need of another back. Whether they are desperate to pay big money for Jordan is another matter.
Keeping Jordan with Oakland takes the burden off him to be an every down back, might let him showcase his wares for potential suitors next year, all the while revaluing his stock and keeping him more than likely healthier for interested parties in 09. It could also give Oakland two sets of backs. Jordan / Fargas and Mike Bush / DMC, or any combination.
With an offense likely predicated on the run this year, considering three of the current backs injury history, and the fact Oaklands O coordinator Gregg Knapp has recently stated "You can't have too many running backs," there is a case for Jordan re-working and staying through '08.
For now, like most of Oakland's reloaded team, his status continues to be a mystery.
To answer the question, "Do we want Lamont?" the answer is probably "Yes," but only at a reduced price.
For the time being, Lamont is with Oakland and his imminent departure may not be as foregone a conclusion as many seem to think.
Despite the past two seasons injuries, most who run the numbers agree, when healthy, Jordan can still play. The larger question as of this moment for Lamont and Raider fans is, will he be doing it in Silver and Black?
comments (11) write a comment »
write a new comment
2 months ago
Whether Jodan stays a Raider should become clear when Oakland holds camp tomorrow.
Jordan has never been a big camp guy (Warren Sapp stated "He's the most out of shape guy at camp.") but manages to get yards behind Oaklands ZBS.
All of the negatives people put on him have them scratching their heads as to why he hasn't been dumped.
If the division rival theory doesn't seem to hold water considering the amount of running backs available.
They could certainly opt elsewhere for the money they'd probably pay Lamont.
KC has backs. SD does too.
But like I mentioned, they have other options that would seem better if not the same as Jordan.
2 months ago
New avatar
2 months ago
If Jordan stays, he will be a non-factor. Slomont does not have the heart of a champion, no desire and the first contact he falls down like a rag doll. He does not fight for yardage. Drafting McFadden was the smartest moves the Raiders have made in a while. Here's to the three headed monster of Fargas/McFadden/Bush. Keep the bench warm for them Slomont.
2 months ago
With all of the postulating about Jordan's future in Oakland; whether he can be productive, is he too injury prone, concerns over his landing with a division rival,etc. We seem to be overlooking a key factor: LaMont Jordan no longer WANTS to be an Oakland Raider.He is done. He has made it clear that he wants to go somewhere where he has a chance at starting. Won't happen, but he thinks it can. He hasn't gotten any offers, Detroit being the only team that showed any interest. He took a pay cut last year, I don't see it happening again. Reality is going to dawn on the Raider brass soon that nobody is going to offer anything in return for him.Then they will cut him. That is the only reason he is still on the roster. He is going to be released, the only question is when.
2 months ago
"We" don't want Jordan to stay... maybe you do. I've seen enough of him tap dancing around the backfield. He's way too indecisive for a back with no burst. As far as renegotiating his contract, how much do you plan on devaluing the guy? Didn't we do that last year? Plus, he represents a roster spot, which we will shortly need for more qualified persons. I would hate to further short change Michael Bush and his much awaited playing time. If Jordan was to stay a Raider, why has he been given permission to seek a trade? This article is a waste of yours and your readers' time. The writing is on the wall.
2 months ago
Martha you're a waste to this wall! Honestly dont you think of all the things that al davis has done if he REALLY wanted someone gone, THEY WOULD BE. He may have been told to stay away, but there is a reason that he is still occupying a roster spot. you say it should be for someone more qualified, who would you like that to be. humor me who would you want that to be?????? you put all your eggs in the michael bush basket, lets not forget a lot of injured draft day gambles dont pay off. im not sold on bush. dont get me wrong now he needs to prove himself, but he hasent even been in a game situation in over 2 years. darren mcfadden is a boost, michael bush is a question mark,and the question on fargas is when will he break down. anyone can run in our blocking scheme, all of our backs last year had atleast 2 100 yard games. theres a lot of question marks at rb this year and it wouldnt be such a bad idea to have an insurance policy. so dont tell people that they're wasting our time when in face that person is you.
2 months ago
He's fourth string on the roster right now anyways. At a starters price. Sure he already got the roster bonus since he wasn't cut before June 1st, but he still has got to go. His base salary is way too high for a #4 RB. He shoulda been cut a long time ago!
from 2 months ago
Greg - you can kiss you career as an informed fan goodbye. First off, any position player other than RB (where we are stacked) is more qualified for a roster spot than Jordan. We need bodies and depth at virtually every other position, and rosters will quickly get paired down, so every spot is critical... so your point on this matter is uninformed. Secondly, Al Davis' desire to release Jordan is clearly outweighed by his desire to (A) be compensated, and (B) have some say in Jordan's destination... as in not to the Broncos or Chiefs. Come on Greg, you don't need to be a rocket scientist, do you? Honestly, you can not have been a Raiders fan very long if you think Al Davis just dumps players he wants to.... Sometimes, he just buries them in the depth chart, ala Marcus Allen.
2 months ago
I hear what u r saying Martha.
However, comparing Marcus Allen and LJ is not a good idea. Allen was one of the best RB's in the history of the NFL. It would be a good idea to let Jordan go to a rival. We know everything about him, and he is average at best.
I agree with you that is why Al did not cut him, so my beef is not with you. I just don't inderstand why Al wouldn't want him to go to a rival.... he can't even make our roster and he is not a home run hitter.
Oh yeah, that was a lil brutal Greg. Tone it down bro...
2 months ago
Thanks for your interest.
No, I'm not neccessarily a proponent of Lamont staying, but I'm not vehemently opposed either.
As I've stated, I can see the logic in keeping 2 biggger backs and 2 fast backs in a system predicated on the run.
teams have other veteran options at RB right now, so the odds of Lamont landing another $4-5 million dollar starting job RIGHT NOW aren't as high as he and the Raiders might hope.
Enjoy the week end!~
2 months ago
Moot point as Lamont joins the Pats.
Good for him, glad he found work out of the division.
Boy, he sure did stay alot longer than most people thought huh?
write a new comment