What is going on with Dolphins’ Dion Jordan?

The Miami Dolphins appear to be in no hurry when it comes to Dion Jordan and that could be a telling sign of things to come. Jordan, in the NFL’s phase 3 program has said he wants to get another chance to play, but will he make the most of it?

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It’s been almost two years since Dion Jordan was on a football field. His last game was the final game of the 2014 season, so not exactly two years but it’s been awhile. Jordan started the 2014 season suspended for the first six games. He came back but contributed little in the final ten games then was suspended all of the 2015 season.

The Dolphins don’t have to make any decisions on Jordan just yet. He is due a roster bonus of over $1.7 million but that won’t kick in until he is reinstated and is on the team when that bonus becomes eligible. The Dolphins however could use his history of suspensions against him and force him to convert that bonus.

If the Dolphins release Jordan they will not be penalized due to Jordan losing all the guarantees of his contract.

On Twitter, Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel points out that he has “heard” and to be fair he is only reporting what someone told him and not fact, is that Jordan’s delay in applying for reinstatement could have been due to his conditioning.

Kelly isn’t the only Phins beat writer talking about Dion Jordan. Other writers have also commented that the Dolphins, who are in lockdown, are sensing Miami isn’t over joyed at the prospect of Jordan returning.

Of course the Dolphins are not going to and traditionally have not commented on players that are suspended. Once Jordan’s suspension is lifted, the Dolphins will make a decision on his future with the team. One thing is however certain, Jordan, if given a chance, will have to compete for a roster spot and if he isn’t going to show enough to warrant real playing time, he will likely be gone.

The former 3rd overall draft pick has slid into obscurity but another chance could be on the horizon. Jordan was a far better college outside linebacker than he was an NFL defensive end but Miami drafting him and playing him out of position can be blamed as much as Jordan himself.

If given the opportunity, it will be interesting to see if Vance Joseph can get more out of him than Kevin Coyle did. In his 26 games as an NFL defender, Jordan has 3 sacks, 39 tackles, and 7 assists.