**David Long Cut by Dolphins: Ravens and Chargers Eyeing a Potential Veteran Addition**
In a surprising move, the **Miami Dolphins** have released **David Long**, a former team captain and key defensive player. The linebacker, who came into the league as a sixth-round pick in 2019 with the **Tennessee Titans**, had been steadily rising through the ranks to become one of the NFL’s most underrated defensive playmakers. After a standout rookie contract, where he racked up 86 tackles and became a key cog in the Titans’ defense, Long earned a two-year, $11 million deal with the Dolphins.
But despite his strong leadership and past success, Long’s 2024 season has been a struggle. His performance has plummeted, with a **PFF grade of 37.0**, making him the worst-ranked linebacker in the league through the first 10 weeks of the season. The Dolphins, who had hoped Long would be a big part of their defense, decided to part ways with the veteran as his struggles on the field became too much to ignore.
While it didn’t work out in Miami, Long’s story is far from over. The former team captain is still a name to watch on the free-agent market, and there are two teams in particular who could be the perfect fit to help him get back on track: the **Baltimore Ravens** and the **Los Angeles Chargers**.
### **Baltimore Ravens: Can David Long Revive His Career in Baltimore?**
The **Ravens** are sitting pretty at 7-3 heading into Week 11, but they’ve largely relied on their offense to carry them so far this season. With **Lamar Jackson** playing the best football of his career and **Derrick Henry** pounding the rock on the ground, the offense is firing on all cylinders. But the **Ravens defense** has been a bit of a mixed bag. Losing **Patrick Queen**, a former first-round pick, left a noticeable void in the linebacker corps, and the defense has struggled to regain its former dominance.
**Roquan Smith** is still a star, but he’s been inconsistent this year, and **Trenton Simpson** is still a work in progress. This is where **David Long** could step in and make an impact. Known for his tenacity and football IQ, Long could thrive in a specialized role, offering support alongside Smith and Simpson. With head coach **John Harbaugh**’s ability to get the best out of his players, Long could regain his form in a revamped Ravens defense that’s looking to re-establish its identity.
### **Los Angeles Chargers: A Strong Run-Stopping Option for the Bolts**
On the other coast, the **Los Angeles Chargers** are another team that could be an intriguing landing spot for Long. After years of defensive struggles under former head coach **Brandon Staley**, the Chargers’ defense is finally showing signs of life under **Jim Harbaugh**. With **Justin Herbert** playing at an MVP level and the team looking poised to contend, the defense has stepped up—but there’s still work to be done, especially when it comes to stopping the run.
While **Daiyan Henley** and **Denzel Perryman** have held their own, both linebackers have their limitations. **Henley**, though a solid starter, is a bit undersized and can be vulnerable against the run. **Perryman**, on the other hand, has had a disappointing season and might benefit from being in a backup role. Enter **David Long**—a linebacker known for his ability to play downhill and make impactful stops in the trenches. Long’s experience and skillset could be the perfect fit to help shore up the Chargers’ defense, particularly on early downs against the run.
If the Chargers decide to bring Long in, he could be signed to the practice squad initially to see if he has anything left in the tank. If he can rediscover his form, he could be a key piece in the Chargers’ defensive rotation and provide some much-needed stability against the run, especially in the AFC West, where teams like the **Kansas City Chiefs** thrive on the ground.
### **Will David Long Find His Next NFL Home?**
After a disappointing stint in Miami, **David Long** is now in search of a new opportunity, and both the **Ravens** and **Chargers** are teams worth watching. Whether he’s rejuvenating his career in Baltimore alongside Roquan Smith or strengthening the run defense in Los Angeles, Long still has plenty of potential to contribute. If he can return to his previous form, Long could be a valuable veteran presence for any team that picks him up. Keep an eye on these two contenders as Long looks for his next chapter in the NFL.
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