This Linebacker on the Miami Dolphins Has a Chance to Prove that He’s Capable of Being a Starter in the Future.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Duke Riley in the 3rd round, 75th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Riley appeared in 12 games and started six during his rookie season. He suffered a torn meniscus in Week 7. He underwent surgery and missed the next four games. He returned from the injury in Week 12 and finished the season with 30 tackles.

Riley appeared in every game and started ten in his second season. He had 60 tackles, two for a loss, one quarterback hit, and two pass deflections. He ended up losing the starting job to Foyesade Oluokun near the end of the season.

Atlanta traded Riley during his third season.

Riley was traded to a division rival.

The Atlanta Falcons traded Riley and a 2020 sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Johnathan Cyprien and a 2020 seventh-round pick on September 30, 2019.

Riley appeared in 12 games (mostly on special teams), recording 14 tackles and one fumble recovery.

Riley appeared in 13 games and started eight during his fourth season. He missed Week 6 with a rib injury and the last two games with a bicep injury. He had 55 tackles, two for a loss, one quarterback hit, 0.5 sacks, one interception, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble.

Riley found a new home in 2021.

Duke Riley signed a 1-year, $1.12 million contract with the Miami Dolphins during the 2021 offseason. Riley appeared in every game and started three, recording 26 tackles.

Riley signed a 1-year, $3 million extension during the 2022 offseason. Riley appeared in every game and started two, recording 45 tackles, three for a loss, one sack, and two pass deflections.

Riley signed a 2-year, $5 million extension during the 2023 offseason. Riley has started in five games for the injured Baker this season. He has 42 tackles, two quarterback hits, 0.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble.

What now?

Duke Riley is under an enormous amount of pressure this week and if he performs well in the playoffs and proves that he is a starting-caliber linebacker in this league, many teams could be interested in trading for him.

If he doesn’t perform well, he will likely remain as a backup and not be a starter in the future.

Duke Riley has big shoes to fill.