Raiders sign DE Dion Jordan and D.J. Swearinger, place Karl Joseph on IR and waive LB Quentin Poling

The Raiders made a cluster of moves on Saturday. While their intentions to sign D.J. Swearinger were already previously known, Oakland has decided to bring in former No. 4 overall pick Dion Jordan as well.

With fears about the severity of Karl Joseph’s foot injury confirmed via MRI, the safety will head to injured reserve and have his roster spot filled by Swearinger (Check out our breakdown of Swearinger here). Meanwhile, the Raiders decided quickly to move on from LB Quentin Poling, who was promoted from the practice squad just days ago after news that Arden Key would be placed on IR.

Back in 2013, the Raiders traded the No. 3 overall pick that became Dion Jordan to the Miami Dolphins for the draft’s No. 12 and 42 picks. Jordan has never lived up to his billing as the No. 3 pick, but the Raiders selections didn’t exactly work out for the team either, as they took D.J. Hayden and Menelik Watson at 12 and 42, respectively.

Jordan has 8.5 sacks in his career since then, but four of those came in five games when he played last with the Seattle Seahawks before a knee surgery and 10-game suspension for Adderall use derailed his tenure in Pete Carroll’s defense.

With the Raiders defensive end rotation thinning after injuries to Key and Josh Mauro, Jordan will have a chance to immediately contribute. The 29-year old’s long arms and natural speed have make him a potential stud as a pass rusher, and he might be effective in a limited role akin to the way Benson Mayowa has contributed this season.

As far as Poling is concerned, the Raiders will most likely place him back on the practice squad provided he clears waivers.