Jordan Update

[Raiderboz]

-- Jordan to Test Free Agency --

The Star Ledger reports the agent for Jets RB LaMont Jordan said yesterday that his client will test the free-agent market but hasn't shut the door on a possible return to the club. Free agency starts next Wednesday. Jordan, who just completed his fourth NFL season, is considered by many the top running back in free agency now that the Seahawks and Colts put their franchise tags on RB Shaun Alexander and RB Edgerrin James. Jordan hopes to sign a deal that would pay him at least $12 million in guaranteed money. The Buccaneers, Cardinals, Dolphins, Panthers and Raiders are among the teams who may express an interest in Jordan. "The Jets have presented us with a very fair offer," Jordan's agent, Alvin Keels, told The Star-Ledger. "LaMont doesn't feel slighted at all. The Jets want to keep him in New York. I realize that and LaMont realizes it. But LaMont feels he owes it to himself to test the market. He's excited. He's looking forward to it. But LaMont stressed to me that it's not totally out of the question that he won't be back with the Jets." That, however, seems unlikely. Jordan, 26, badly wants to be a starter and that's not going to happen with the Jets next season. That job belongs to RB Curtis Martin, who won the NFL rushing title last season with 1,377 yards and will earn a base salary of $4.7 million in 2005. At 31, he is showing no signs of slowing down.

[BrooklynRaider]

let's hope we can afford him

[Gallery74]

We should be able to, but i'm starting to think we'll draft one. It makes sense RB's can come in and start immediatly, It's defensive starters we need immediatly, you won't find them in the draft.

[The Blade]

I think if we get Moss we will draft a back.

[Rebel]

If we dont get Lomant we should sign Anthony Thomas and draft either Benson and Ronnie. We should deff get a back up vet if we draft a RB.

[L.A. Raiderfan]

We don't need to pay a unproven back $12 million in guaranteed money. I will pass on that. I would rather sign A-Train for less $$$

[Rebel]

ummm...ya we do need to spend 12 million on a running back...did u see our ground game last year? lol

I know what ur saying though....u dont want to spend 12 million on a unproven back [ the only guy I would spend that kind of money for though that is unproven would be Lamont ] But ur right...we shouldnt take any more risks on players that have just talent.

[SlowLane]

I think you're thinking is sound G74 - I was hell-bent on having to solve RB in FA, but the more I think of it, the more sense it woul make to get D in FA and draft a Julius Jones of our own. If we keep some of the dudes we have (Fargas, Wheat) we could ween in a rookie no prob, esp. w/ the strength of the team being the D E E P B A L L!

Now, what about FB - Crockett still? I'd rather get a decent FB and let Crockett work w/ the rookie ... slip in Fargas now and then ...

[L.A. Raiderfan]

My point is its a gamble to give a unproven player that kind of money. Heck Jerry Porter only got 8-10 million in guaranteed money and this guy wants 12? I would rather sign some defensive players with that money (Dwight Smith, Vonnie Holliday, Peter Boulware, Seth Payne, Trevor Pryce, Will Witherspoon) Not saying we can sign all those guys but maybe 1 or 2. We have to remember this RB class is deep and rookie RBs tend to do better than anyother rookies. It would be better to sign veteran defensive players perferably ones that know the 3-4 than draft a rookie defensive player that will struggle to learn our system in his 1st year.

[Rebel]

Good point L.A. Raiderfan....

If we want to contend right away signing D FA and drafting a RB might be the way to go. The D FA could grasps the system better and the rookie RB could start almost right away like you said.

But from reports over the years [ Davis trying to trade for him ] it seems Davis loves Lomant so dotn be surprised either if Lomant gets 12 million from us.

[Reid3416]

I agree that $12M is too much. Think what we could get for $12M, a couple of Lb's A-train, perhaps a saftey???
thoughts?

[Collins4QB]

We could always just draft Ronnie Brown, then we wouldnt need Jordan

[ekgraider]

Originally Posted by L.A. Raiderfan

My point is its a gamble to give a unproven player that kind of money. Heck Jerry Porter only got 8-10 million in guaranteed money and this guy wants 12? I would rather sign some defensive players with that money (Dwight Smith, Vonnie Holliday, Peter Boulware, Seth Payne, Trevor Pryce, Will Witherspoon) Not saying we can sign all those guys but maybe 1 or 2. We have to remember this RB class is deep and rookie RBs tend to do better than anyother rookies. It would be better to sign veteran defensive players perferably ones that know the 3-4 than draft a rookie defensive player that will struggle to learn our system in his 1st year.

umm how much do you think we are going to have to pay the 7th overall pick?? it sure isnt going to be chump change and they are even more unproven.

[raiders4life247]

Lamont or rookie is fine with me just as long as they put up some numbers.

[coloradoraider]

Originally Posted by Gallery74

We should be able to, but i'm starting to think we'll draft one. It makes sense RB's can come in and start immediatly, It's defensive starters we need immediatly, you won't find them in the draft.

It's starting to look that way. The market for free agent RBs is shrinking, so a guy like Jordan may really cash in. The ironic thing is that in a normal year where there are backs available, Jordan would not get near as much as he might get this year.

I look at it this way: We need a RB, an interior Olineman, a LB or two, and a Dlineman. The #7 pick assures us at fix for one of these positions, but we should look to the free agent market to fill the others. Right now it looks like it will be easier to get help at linebacker and Dline in free agency, it will be hard to get help at RB.