:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26940831/181594306.0.jpg)
The Miami Dolphins are in the process of interviewing candidates for their open General Manager position. A vacancy arose when former GM Jeff Ireland was fired mutually agreed to split ways with the Dolphins organization early in January. One of the candidates the Dolphins interviewed recently was Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Tom Gamble. It turns out that Gamble is staying in Philadelphia for at least one more year, which is good news for Eagles fans. Gamble's involvement in the Dolphins search did lead to some interesting information and speculation, however. Courtesy of Miami Herald columnist Armando Salguero:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I'm told 1 thing Tom Gamble would've recommended if he interviewed for Dolphins GM was switch back to 3-4. Thinks Dion Jordan 3-4 stud.</p>— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArmandoSalguero/statuses/423538146593107968">January 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>To piggyback on previous Dion Jordan/Gamble tweet, Eagles have No. 22 in 1st rd. Wouldn't surprise me if they try to trade that for Jordan.</p>— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArmandoSalguero/statuses/423552683279020032">January 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jordan played for Chip Kelly and Gamble loves him. Jordan in Miami was Jeff Ireland's pick not new GM's.</p>— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArmandoSalguero/statuses/423553179737804800">January 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Interesting, to say the least. It's worth noting this isn't an official report at all; it's just speculation on Salguero's part. But is there some sense behind this line of thought? Absolutely. It was speculated the Eagles were going to take Jordan with the No. 4 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft last year, but the Dolphins traded up ahead of the Eagles to the No. 3 spot to get him. The Eagles ended up with offensive tackle Lane Johnson, who played well at starting right tackle in his rookie season.
Still, as indicated in Salguero's tweet about Gamble, the Eagles were high on Jordan. Could the Eagles look to trade for him this offseason? Maybe. It's possible the Dolphins new GM doesn't think Jordan is a good fit for the 4-3 defense the Dolphins run. Jordan only accounted for 2 sacks in his rookie year as a 4-3 defensive end. He could be seen as a better fit in the 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker, which is where he played in college at Oregon under Chip Kelly. Kelly's love for the 6-6, 260 lb Jordan is no secret, and I'm sure he'd be glad to have him on the roster. Adding a pass rusher in the offseason should be a priority for the Eagles, considering the lack of depth they have in that area. Trent Cole finished the season hot but got off slow. Connor Barwin does a lot of things well but he isn't a premium pass rusher. It remains to be seen what kind of pass rushers the 2014 NFL Draft class will offer.
Trading a player one year after taking them in the first round of the draft, especially as high as Jordan was picked, isn't very common in the NFL. But it's not unprecedented. Just this year the Indianapolis Colts traded their 2014 first round pick for former Browns running back Trent Richardson, who was the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. A potential Miami-Philly swap for Jordan could look like something similar.
The Eagles should absolutely consider trading the No. 22 pick for Jordan. The problem is I doubt the Dolphins would move Jordan at this point in his career. He has a lot of potential, he's young, and he's on a reasonable contract. Plus, the Dolphins would be incurring $10 million in dead money against their salary cap. Just because the new Dolphins GM didn't draft him doesn't mean he won't value Jordan. Either way, it will be something interesting to monitor this offseason. I don't see Miami trading Jordan, but if they did, that could be a great addition for the Eagles.
