The Red Zone Report

It seems there are several teams in the NFL that want LaMont Jordan – except, that is, the team for which he currently plays. About a month ago, Jordan was flat-out told by the Oakland Raiders to stay off the practice field, and he received permission from coach Lane Kiffin seek a trade.

That’s just like the Raiders to tell a guy to go home and then still expect to get some value for him, but that’s another story. All Oakland wants is a late-round pick at this point, but most of the interested teams just assume the Raiders will cut Jordan sometime before or during camp (again, that would be very Raiderish to hold onto this guy into camp, thus limiting his options).

It is clear there is interest in Jordan, who got off to a great start last season, totaling 350 yards and two TDs in the first three games. But then he soon fell out of favor and got nicked up, including not playing at all in four games. And with Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden in Oakland, Jordan is definitely expendable.

In the spring of 2005, the Raiders signed the former Maryland running back to a five-year, $27.5 million dollar deal, and part of that deal says he will receive $4.7 million in 2008 and $5 million in 2009, which is a big cap number for a backup. 

In 2005, Jordan rushed for 1,025 yards and scored nine rushing touchdowns and caught 70 passes for 563 yards for the Raiders, but in the past two seasons the 5-foot 10, 230-pounder has worn down and had injuries.

Jordan’s problem finding a suitor is there are other veteran backs out there on the free agent market: Kevin Jones, Najeh Davenport, Travis Henry, Cedric Benson and Shaun Alexander, specifically. It likely will take a few of those signing somewhere (Jones, for example, could be headed to the Bucs soon) before Jordan can find a spot.

Jordan definitely has visited the Lions, with the Saints, Bears and Patriots all possible suitors. All four would seem to have a need for a veteran backup:

*-The Saints’ Deuce McAllister is coming off major knee surgery, although he expects to be ready for the season. Having Jordan, who also is a good receiver, is added insurance that Reggie Bush won’t have to be overused.

*-The Lions, Jones’ former home, might end up starting rookie Kevin Smith on Week 1. Having Jordan compete with Tatum Bell to push or complement Smith can’t hurt.

*-The Bears have arguably the biggest running back questions in the league, with rookie Matt Forte set to be their starter and no established veteran behind him.

*-Lastly, the Patriots could always use a third back to compete with Sammy Morris behind Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk.

Long story short, Jordan will find work. It just may have to wait until Jones, Henry and Alexander do first.