Jordan Still Unsigned Ahead Of Training Camp
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Believe it or not, the NFL is only one day away from the opening of the first training camp for the upcoming 2013 season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open training camp Wednesday and will be followed in the next few days by nearly every team.
The Miami Dolphins will open their training camp this Saturday when veterans and rookies must report to the team's facility in Davie. Less than 24 hours after the team reports, the new-look Dolphins will take the field for the team's first practice on Sunday.
The Dolphins are set to get their first look at first-round draft pick defensive end Dion Jordan if he signs his contract before training camp opens. The contract signing could get contentious because the Fins are expected to demand offset language in the contract.
The offset language works like this: If Jordan is cut before the end of his first contract; the Dolphins would still be on the hook for the full amount of the contract even if Jordan signed with another team; with the offset language, the Dolphins wouldn't be on the hook for the contract after he was cut.
So far this season, the number two overall pick, tackle Luke Joeckel signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars without offset language. Number five overall pick, defensive end Ziggy Ansah also signed with the Detroit Lions without offset language.
Last year, the Dolphins were able to sign number eight overall pick, quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a contract with the offset language.
Jordan hasn't been with the Dolphins during the offseason because Oregon's school year was still in session. NFL rules prohibit players from joining their NFL teams until the previous school year ends.
The Fins have high hopes for Jordan after trading into the number three overall spot to take the 6'6", 250-pound defensive end. Last year in Oregon, Jordan pulled down 44 tackles including 10.5 for loss and 5 sacks. He also broke up a pass and forced three fumbles as a member of the Ducks.
The Dolphins are expected to use Jordan primarily in passing downs at the beginning of the season and slowly increase his workload as the season progresses and he picks up more of the defense.
