LaMont Jordan has played his last tune in Oakland (UPDATED)
On Friday, the inevitable occurred, as the Oakland Raiders finally released running back LaMont Jordan.
The 29-year-old rusher signed a five-year deal worth $27.5 million in 2005 after backing up Curtis Martin in New York the first four seasons of his career.
He appeared to be the perfect fit for Norv Turner’s run friendly offense, but after a productive 2005 campaign that saw him rush for 1,025 yards and compile 70-receptions for 563 yards, the boisterous running back struggled to stay healthy and was ineffective during his final two seasons in Oakland.
In November of 2006, he tore his left MCL, an injury that catapulted Justin Fargas to the forefront and began his ascension within the Raider roster. At the onset of the 2007 campaign, head coach Lane Kiffin elected to go with Jordan as his starter, and the former Maryland star responded by posting 424-rushing yards in the team’s first four games. But a back injury dampened Jordan’s season and Fargas once again grabbed headlines and the starting role.
Jordan’s conditioning has always been in question during the off-season. Earlier this year, former Raider Warren Sapp stated that Jordan “is like the worst off-season running back I’ve ever been around.”
“After three games last season, LaMont Jordan led the NFL in rushing,” Sapp said. “But…he was out of shape and couldn’t keep it going.”
Fans throughout his tenure in Oakland critiqued his putrid 3.8 yards per carry. Especially when Fargas and other rushers ran successfully behind the same offensive lines with more effectiveness.
The Raiders have told Jordan to stay away from the team and that his presence was not needed during mini-camps and training camp.
Jordan’s agent, Alvin Keels, received permission from the Raiders to seek a trade during the off-season. But teams bypassed the idea of trading for a player that would eventually be let go. The Detroit Lions were reportedly one of the suitors for his services, along with the Chicago Bears.
There were reports as early as last season that Oakland was looking to move the eight-year veteran, but with a log jam at running back and his contract status, teams around the league were hesitant to give up any compensation for a player that could be available in free-agency as training camp began.
It is believed that the Raiders would save $4.7 million in 2008 cap space after severing ties with Jordan.
Since the start of camp, head coach Lane Kiffin avoided elaborating on the situation, simply stating that owner Al Davis and Jordan’s agent have been in talks regarding the resolution of this matter.
With Jordan now gone, Oakland can now focus on giving reps to the younger rushers on the roster. And with the settlement, Jordan can now move on and shop himself without any strings attached.
Update: Several media reports indicated the Raiders re-signed quarterback Jeff Otis to fill Jordan’s roster spot. Otis was one of three players waived the day before camp began to make room for Nnamdi Asomugha re-signing and rookies Arman Shields and Trevor Scott signing. ~ES
