Dolphins DE, Dion Jordan, Suspended For 2015 NFL Season

Miami Dolphins defensive end, Dion Jordan, has been suspended for the 2015 NFL season on Tuesday for violating the Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.

According to ESPN, “Jordan will not appeal and will accept his one-year punishment, his third suspension within the past year.”

Jordan, the third overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft out of the University of Oregon, did not fail a drug test, but it was found that one of his samples had been diluted, which counts as a strike.

According to Deadspin, the dilution “[means] Jordan allegedly tried to cover up whatever recreational drug he may have been using.”

Apparently, the Dolphins were nearing a deal to move the linebacker to return to his college coach, Chip Kelly, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Jordan had been on the trade market since March, and the Dolphins had spoken to a dozen teams regarding a trade for the linebacker. The Dolphins have been busy this offseason, adding tight end Jordan Cameron from the Browns and wide receiver Greg Jennings of the Vikings.

The negotiations for Jordan intensified when he chose not to attend Miami’s voluntary workout program. This development raised eyebrows regarding Jordan’s status and future with the Dolphins.

Although Dion Jordan was a top pick, he has been a bust for the Dolphins. He has only recorded a measly three sacks in his first two seasons, a total of 39 tackles in 26 appearances, and only a single start. In the 2013 draft, the Dolphins traded up nine picks from slot 12 to acquire Jordan just one pick before the Eagles, who picked offensive tackle Lane Johnson, who has also tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Jordan has served two separate suspensions, totaling six games over his first two seasons, for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs and other substances of abuse.

After this latest suspension, the once very promising linebacker has now lost all trade value. Still, he is only 25, has natural athleticism, and could contribute to any team on special teams, if not on the defensive side of the ball as a situational pass rusher, following his suspension.

This news has come just two days before the NFL draft commences. The Dolphins have pick 14, and this must affect the team’s strategy coming into Thursday.

For the Dolphins, the news is a blow as they thought they had playoff potential, following a spectacular season of free agency.

[Image Source: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images]