In and out: Crawford claimed; LB Orchard released

The Miami Dolphins released Nate Orchard, the team’s top pass rusher during the preseason, to make room for linebacker James Crawford, who was claimed off the waiver wire on Tuesday.

The move is a surprising one considering how well Orchard played in training camp and the preseason where he led Miami with four sacks and numerous pressures in his limited role.

Orchard, a former Utah standout who was playing for his fourth team since the Cleveland Browns cut him around this time last year, was viewed as one of the team’s best pass rushers and a talent who could severe as a pass-rushing specialist on third downs.

This past week’s release of Tank Carradine, and Orchard’s dismissal leaves Miami with Charles Harris, the team’s 2017 first-round pick, as the only viable starter at defensive end. However, the Dolphins do intend for undrafted rookie Jonathan Ledbetter to contribute.

Crawford, a former St. Thomas Aquinas High standout who played at the University of Illinois, is known as a special teams ace. He contributed nine tackles in the 16 games he played last season.

Crawford, who served as the Packers’ special teams captain late in the 2018 season, was waived by Green Bay on Sunday to make room for linebacker B.J. Goodson, who the Packers acquired in a trade with the New York Giants.

Crawford becomes the 13 player Miami has added this past week after cutting and trading numerous veterans, and is the sixth player claimed off the waiver wire.

He’ll join a linebacker unit that features five — Crawford, Avery Moss, Vince Biegel, Deon Lacey and Trent Harris — newcomers expected to help the team immediately on special teams since Jerome Baker and Sam Eguavoen are the starters.

MORRY GASH/AP The Dolphins claimed James Crawford, who was waived Sunday by the Green Bay Packers.