In a surprising roster move, the Miami Dolphins have waived linebacker David Long Jr., a decision that has quickly garnered attention around the league. Long, a well-regarded defensive player who joined the Dolphins in 2023 on a two-year, $11 million contract, was anticipated to bring stability and depth to Miami’s linebacker corps. Now, his sudden departure has left fans and analysts speculating on the reasons behind this decision and what it might mean for both Long and the Dolphins moving forward.

Background: David Long Jr.’s Journey to the Dolphins

David Long Jr. came to the Dolphins after four productive seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Drafted by Tennessee in 2019, Long quickly established himself as a tenacious and reliable linebacker, especially valued for his tackling abilities and coverage skills. Known for his high football IQ and instinctive play, Long was expected to be an asset to the Dolphins’ defense under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

During his tenure with the Titans, Long recorded impressive statistics, including numerous tackles, tackles for loss, and pass deflections, despite battling occasional injuries. The Dolphins’ acquisition of Long in the 2023 offseason was seen as part of a broader effort to bolster their defense and deepen the roster for a potential playoff run.

Performance and Role with the Dolphins

Long’s time with the Dolphins, however, was marked by mixed performances and inconsistent playing time. While he demonstrated flashes of his old form, his impact was somewhat muted, possibly due to adjustments within the team’s defensive scheme. Under Fangio’s direction, the Dolphins’ defense adopted complex coverage schemes and blitz packages, requiring players to adapt quickly and demonstrate versatility. While Long had moments where his tackling and instincts shone, there were instances when he struggled to find his footing in Fangio’s defense.

In addition, Long has dealt with injuries in the past, and health concerns might have factored into the Dolphins’ decision. Even though Long’s performance was largely solid when he was on the field, his injury history may have raised concerns within the organization about his long-term reliability.

Reasons Behind the Move

Depth and Flexibility on Defense

: The Dolphins’ linebacker room is relatively deep this season, with players like Jerome Baker, Andrew Van Ginkel, and young emerging talent who have stepped up in recent games. Miami may feel confident in their remaining options, seeing Long as expendable with enough versatile talent already in place.

Injury Concerns

: Although Long’s health was relatively stable this season, his previous injuries could have played a role in the Dolphins’ decision to move on. Long has previously missed games due to soft tissue injuries, and the Dolphins may have concerns about his durability over a full season, especially as they push for a playoff run.

Cap Space Considerations

: Long’s contract included a cap hit, and by waiving him, the Dolphins might gain some financial flexibility to make other strategic moves as the trade deadline approaches. This cap space could be used to shore up other positions or add a veteran free agent if needed.

Fit in the Defensive Scheme

: Fangio’s defensive schemes are known for requiring linebackers to excel in coverage and adapt to complex responsibilities. If the coaching staff believed Long wasn’t an ideal fit or was not adjusting quickly enough, it could have contributed to the decision to waive him in favor of more versatile players.

What’s Next for David Long Jr.?

For Long, this move could be a temporary setback or an opportunity for a fresh start with another team. Given his proven track record and solid play with the Titans, it’s likely he will garner interest from other NFL teams looking to add depth to their linebacking units. Teams in need of a reliable tackler and smart defensive presence could find Long a valuable midseason addition.

The waiver process will allow other teams to claim Long, and his skill set may align with defenses looking for a traditional linebacker who can contribute immediately. Long’s experience and strong work ethic are assets that could make him a good fit for a team with a simpler defensive scheme or one in need of help with run defense.

Implications for the Dolphins

For Miami, the decision to waive Long reflects their confidence in the remaining defensive roster and their commitment to adaptability within the defense. With the season heating up, the Dolphins are likely fine-tuning their roster in preparation for a playoff push. Waiving Long might allow them to pursue additional depth at other critical positions or address other areas of need before the trade deadline.

As the Dolphins continue to establish themselves as AFC contenders, this move emphasizes their commitment to creating a defense that’s dynamic, resilient, and perfectly tailored to Fangio’s vision. While the departure of David Long Jr. is unexpected, it could signal further roster adjustments as the Dolphins refine their team for the critical second half of the season.