Raiders: Dion Jordan will seek another chance at redemption

The Oakland Raiders have signed former No. 3 overall pick, defensive end Dion Jordan. Jordan will be looking for another chance at redemption in Oakland.

The Oakland Raiders have signed talented defensive end Dion Jordan in an attempt to add some extra firepower to an improved pass rush. And for Jordan, he will be looking for another shot at redemption.

Rewind a little over six years ago and Jordan was one of the premier talents in the 2013 NFL Draft. His incredible career at Oregon led to him being selected third overall by the Miami Dolphins in what was, admittedly, a pretty weak class.

That said, the talent was clearly there as Jordan had amassed 23.5 sacks over his final two collegiate seasons.

Unfortunately, that talent would never translate to NFL success.

After a very disappointing rookie season in which he totaled just two sacks in 16 games, Jordan violated both the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy and the NFL’s drug policy and served a six-game suspension as a result.

And even upon his return, the former Oregon standout did little to impress finishing with just one sack in 10 games. He would never play another game for the Dolphins.

Jordan would wind up missing the entirety of the 2015 and 2016 seasons because of suspensions and it appeared as though his NFL career could be over as a result. But the Seattle Seahawks decided to give him a chance signing him prior to the 2017 season.

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The once highly-touted pass rusher would begin the season on the reserve/non-football injury list but would be activated in November of that year marking the first time he had stepped foot on a football field in nearly three full years.

And finally, Jordan would give a glimpse of the talent he once possessed finishing the season strong with four sacks in only five games. Seattle would place a first-round tender on him going into the offseason with the hope of preventing other teams from swooping in.

Unfortunately, 2018 wouldn’t be nearly as fruitful for Jordan as he would play in 12 games while recording just 1.5 sacks while dealing with a nagging knee injury.

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He was set to draw some interest on the open market this offseason before being knocked for yet another suspension — this time 10 games for the usage of Adderall. But as of this coming Tuesday, those 10 games are officially up hence the recent signing.

For the Raiders, this is clearly a high-upside move as they’re looking to tap into the 6-foot-6, athletic freak that once went No. 3 overall. Interestingly enough, the Dolphins actually traded up with the Raiders in 2013 to acquire that pick making this a little bit of a full-circle signing.

And it comes at a good time for the team given recent injuries to Arden Key and Josh Mauro. Rookies Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby have stepped it up in recent weeks and Benson Mayowa remains a pleasant surprise, but this move gives the Raiders some extra pass rush depth.

And you could never have too much pass rush depth.

Jordan will be given a second chance at redemption after his tenure in Seattle gave some hope, but ultimately ended in another suspension.

Here’s to hoping that Jordan could stay on the gridiron and give the Raiders some extra pass rush help.