Long was named team captain by his teammates in Miami at the start of the season, and his departure midseason came as a surprise after starting six of the Dolphins’ eight games this year. Anthony Walker took over Long’s starting role over the last two games and the arrival of former Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson by waiver There was a surplus of Long relative to the needs in Miami.

Instead, the Dolphins prioritized Stoll to add a new tight end to their roster after Alec Ingold missed Monday night’s game with a calf injury. The 2023 Pro Bowler played 39% of the team’s offensive snaps when healthy this year; This has been consistent with head coach Mike McDaniel’s usage since his arrival in 2022. The Dolphins’ use of heavy personnel required them to add another tight end if Ingold’s absence lasts into 2020. Week 11.

Even though Long lost his starting job this season, he could still attract interest off waivers from a team looking for defensive depth. He was in the second year of a two-year, $10 million contract signed with the Dolphins in the summer of 2023. per OverTheCap. Miami will receive at least $2.21 million (the pro rata portion of the 2024 signing bonus) plus $444,444 in guaranteed salary if Long fails to claim waivers. If another team claims Long, the Dolphins will owe him $2 million for the rest of the year and won’t be on the hook for his remaining guaranteed salary. If Long clears waivers, he will become a free agent and can sign with any team, while Miami will have a dead cap hit of $2.65 million.

The Eagles released Stoll from their 53-man roster on Tuesday to activate left tackle Jordan Mailata from injured reserve.