DAVIE, Fla. — Pass rusher Quinton Coples was claimed Tuesday by the Miami 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 defence 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.
