BY SEAN DONOVAN
The Miami Dolphins had eight of their nine draft picks signed before training camp. The final one inked his contract on the day they were all scheduled to report.
The team announced via Twitter that third overall pick Dion Jordan has signed his rookie deal, a four-year contract worth an estimated $20.5 million.
The biggest point of emphasis during negotiations and the reason for the delay, according to multiple reports, was the team's insistence on including offset language in Jordan's deal, a battle the team ultimately won, according to Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo.
Previously, no player drafted in the top 10 had accepted offset language in his contract with the exception of Dolphins 2012 first round pick Ryan Tannehill, whose contract negotiations extended into training camp last year. The clause voids any remaining guarantees owed by the draftee's team if that player is cut and signs a contract with another team.
Miami was able to get Jordan to accept offset language by accelerating the payout of his signing bonus, according to the reports. Tannehill's contract included similar provisions.
Now that the former Oregon standout is under contract, he can join his team as it prepares to open the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game on August 5th.
Jordan, who acknowledges he needs to make up "a lot" of ground after missing most of the Dolphins' offseason programs while attending school, is also rehabbing a shoulder injury that required surgery in February.
But he understands that he's not alone, as he begins establishing himself on a defense with a handful of new faces.
"I’m not the only person who feels like he has a lot to do coming into the season,” Jordan said on Friday. “I’ve got to put the work in, regardless.”
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