Michael Jordan is no longer on the Patriots, as the 3-8 team cut their starting guard ahead of Week 13’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. A fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals and bounced around the league, making short stints with the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers before finding a home with the six-time Super Bowl champions. After failing to make the Week 1 roster, Jordan eventually earned a starting job and had a 51.5 PFF grade at his release, the 73rd-best mark out of 77 eligible players.
The Patriots have the worst offensive line in football, and Michael Jordan couldn’t cut it on this roster. Given this subpar play and his multiple chances throughout the league, this could spell the end of his career. However, if he earns another chance, it could be with teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, or New Orleans Saints.
3 Teams Could Sign Michael Jordan After Patriots Cut
At 8-4, the Baltimore Ravens control their playoff destiny but need some help to win the AFC North. Half a game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore must address their flaws to win a competitive division and make the Super Bowl for the first time since the Joe Flacco Era. While this roster is one of the most talented in football, they could use more help along the interior offensive line, and Michael Jordan could add some competition to the room following his Patriots release.
The Ravens entered the offseason with more impending free agents than they could re-sign. After losing John Simpson to the New York Jets and Pro Bowler Kevin Zeitler to the Detroit Lions, Baltimore entrusted their homegrown talent to replace these starters. While Patrick Mekari is holding up his end of the bargain, the duo of Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees leave a lot to be desired. Jordan might not be an improvement, but he can add some competition, and it stands to reason that he could improve in a better environment with superior coaching.
Other Fits
The New Orleans Saints playoff hopes are still alive, but just barely. At 4-7, the team must win out and get some help to earn their first trip to the postseason since the Drew Brees Era. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi wants to make a case for the full-time job, so he and General Manager Mickey Loomis should do everything in their power to rack up the wins before the end of the season. This could include taking a risk on Michael Jordan, as the Saints have one of the worst interior offensive lines in football, and the former Patriot can’t make it any worse.
Last but certainly not least is the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh plays to win old-fashioned football games with strong, physical play in the trenches. While the elite tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and first-round pick Joe Alt helped put this team in playoff contention, an offensive line is only as strong as its weakest link. Zion Johnson is a solid starter, but Trey Pipkins is a below-average option. Michael Jordan probably won’t push for the starting job, but he could provide some competition and much-needed depth in the event of an injury.
Main Photo: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
