Just two months after he was voted a team captain, linebacker David Long Jr. is no longer a member of the Miami Dolphins.
The team’s 2023 tackles leader was waived Wednesday, two weeks after he was replaced by Anthony Walker Jr. in the Dolphins’ starting lineup. On Tuesday, the team claimed former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who effectively took Long’s spot on the roster.
“That was just a team decision,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said of the move to part with Long. “Obviously we have a tremendous amount of love and respect for ‘Dave.’ He is a starting-caliber NFL backer and at this particular time we know we chose to go with [Walker] so it was probably the best move for just all parties involved.
“It gives him a chance to continue his NFL career and go flourish elsewhere but incredibly grateful for his time here for sure.”
Long, 28, began his career with the Tennessee Titans and developed into one of the NFL’s premier run defending linebackers. It earned him a two-year, $10 million deal from the Dolphins and he lived up to the billing in his first season in Miami.
However, the sixth-year linebacker struggled to fit into Weaver’s defense and proved to be a liability in coverage. Pro Football Focus credited Long with 14 missed tackles in six games and opposing quarterbacks had a 125.7 passer rating targeting players covered by the linebacker.
