During the 2012 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins considered drafting Quinton Coples before settling on quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the No. 8 pick. After the New York Jets released Coples on Monday, the Dolphins decided to give the former first-round pick a look.
On Tuesday, the Dolphins claimed Coples off waivers. This season, the former 16th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft’s playing time has decreased. In his last three games with the Jets, Coples played a total of 20 snaps defensively.
To make room for Coples, the Dolphins waived cornerback Zack Bowman.
This season, Coples has just four tackles and a fumble recover in the 10 games he has played. The 2014 season was Coples best season as he recorded 35 tackles, 6.5 sacks and forced a fumble.
Because Miami picked Coples off of waivers, they’re responsible for his $534,840 contract this year and $7.8 million next season, if he suffers a serious injury. Had the Dolphins waited for Coples to clear waivers, his contract would have been terminated.
Coples has versatility as he can play both as a defensive lineman and outside linebacker. Miami will likely use him at defensive end opposite of Olivier Vernon since Cameron Wake is out for the season with an Achilles injury.
This move reunites Coples with Mike Tannenbaum, who was the general manager of the Jets when the team decided to draft him.
Coples played at The University of North Carolina and finished his career with 144 tackles, 40.5 tackles for loss, 24 sacks, four passes defended, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was the first defensive lineman at UNC to be selected to consecutive All-ACC first-teams since Julius Peppers in 2000 and 2001.
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