Silver and Black Report

LaMont Jordan has played his last tune with the Oakland Raiders

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

The Oakland Raiders began mini-camp today by informing LaMont Jordan that they are headed in a different direction and that his days as a member of the Silver & Black could come to an end.

 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 after Fargas and other rushers ran successfully behind the same offensive lines with more effectiveness.

Jordan’s agent, Alvin Keels, has reportedly received permission from the Raiders to seek a trade.

 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 the summer approached. If Oakland can find any suitors for Jordan and receive anything in return for his services, it would be a steal considering that they have no room or plans to utilize him in 2008. 

The Raiders would save $4.7 million in 2008 cap space if they cut ties with Jordan. 

Oakland needs to part ways with Jordan and clear the backfield for their young ball carriers.

 With Justin Fargas staking his claim to the starting role the last few seasons, the drafting of Darren McFadden and the health and development of Michael Bush, Oakland had no other alternative but to rid themselves of one of the many acquisitions that have been a disappointment during the worst stretch in team history.