NFL veteran linebacker David Long signed a new contract with the Miami Dolphins. Long, a former sixth-round pick spent the entirety of his professional career with the Tennessee Titans.
Linebacker David Long is signing a two-year, $11M deal with the #Dolphins, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2023
David Long, Miami Dolphins, Agree to Contract
After spending the first three years of his career as a situational linebacker, David Long finally had a chance to start in 2022. The former sixth-round pick made the most of said opportunity, breaking out in a big way while establishing himself as one of the best free agent linebackers set to hit the market. While injuries limited him to 12 games, Long still managed to record two interceptions, five passes defended, 86 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, and three quarterback hits while on the field.
David Long originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Selected by the Tennessee Titans, the West Virginia product spent the majority of his rookie season either on the bench or on special teams. Appearing in 14 games without making a start, the rookie finished his inaugural season with just 15 tackles, two tackles-f0r-loss, one pass defended, and one forced fumble.
Long’s role grew heading into the 2020 season. While he didn’t earn a full-time starting job, he still made five starts in his 14 healthy games while recording 54 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, two passes defended, and one forced fumble. For the second straight year, Long earned a larger role in the defense and started nine of 10 games in 2021. While injuries took away a part of his season, he still finished with two interceptions, six passes defended, 75 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback hits.
Since signing his rookie contract, David Long has appeared in 50 games while making 26 starts. During his time on the field, the West Virginia product has recorded four interceptions, 14 passes defended, two forced fumbles, 230 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, and five quarterback hits.
Main Photo: George Walker IV – USA Today Sports
