Dolphins Claim Former 1st Round Pick Coples From Jets
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DAVIE (CBSMiami/AP) — The Miami Dolphins are still hoping to make a run at a playoff spot and made a move on Tuesday that the team hopes will make a difference in achieving that goal.
Pass rusher Quinton Coples was claimed by the Dolphins, meaning he may get to play Sunday against the team that just released him — the New York Jets.
The former first-round draft pick played outside linebacker in the Jets' 3-4 defense this year, but will be an end in the Dolphins' 4-3 scheme. Miami lost Pro Bowl end Cameron Wake to a season-ending torn Achilles tendon last month and has struggled to mount a pass rush all season.
The 6-foot-6, 290-pound Coples played end at North Carolina.
New York's decision to part with Coples on Monday was a surprise despite his diminished role this season. The Jets made him the 16th overall pick in the 2012 draft.
Coples had 16 1/2 sacks in three seasons under coach Rex Ryan, including 6 1/2 in 2014, but none this season while starting only two games for coach Todd Bowles.
Miami first-year executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum was the Jets' general manager when they drafted Coples.
To make room on the roster for Coples, the Dolphins waived cornerback Zack Bowman.
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