The Miami Dolphins raised eyebrows by signing running back Raheem Mostert to a whopping deal days ago. Another surprising move of the team was signing defensive tackle, Teair Tart. He is known for his tenacity on the defensive line and is projected as possibly the most talented of all the defensive tackles the Dolphins signed this offseason.
However, what makes this recent signing even more intriguing is Tart’s reunion with former teammate David Long Jr., with whom he shared the field during their time with the Tennessee Titans. Tart expressed his excitement about reuniting with Long in a recent press conference while praising his work ethic and passion for the game.
“David Long all dog, all gas all the time. I love playing with him… he’s a hard worker. He’s passionate, very passionate about what he [does], I missed him in Tennessee a lot, that was my boy,” Tart said.
Tart’s journey to the NFL hasn’t been conventional, as he went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. He later found a home with the Titans as an undrafted free agent. The veteran enjoyed three seasons with the Titans before being released in December 2023.
The veteran signed a deal with the Houston Texans after a few days. His contract with the team expired after last season, and he entered unrestricted free agency. The Dolphins later decided to give him an opportunity for the upcoming season. After facing adversity with the Titans due to an infamous release drama, Tart is now determined to make a positive impact with his new squad.
Teair Tart opens up about his release drama with the Titans
Teair Tart’s departure from the Titans has been steeped in drama, with conflicting narratives emerging about his attitude and performance. The team released him upon his request and cited ongoing issues that had escalated to a breaking point. However, the veteran attributed his departure to dissatisfaction with his contract situation and a desire for a change in culture.
In conversations with Dolphins reporters, the defensive star pushed back against the portrayal of him as a problem player.
“I was in Tennessee four years. You know, I never had work-ethic questions or work-ethic issues until I asked for a release,” he said per News-Press.
The football prodigy maintained that he consistently gave his all on the field throughout his time with the Titans. He implied that any issues with his attitude or effort were a result of external factors rather than inherent flaws in his character.
The ex-Titans star also mentioned the importance of a positive culture in his decision to seek a fresh start elsewhere. He thinks the environment in Tennessee was no longer conducive to his growth and success as a player.
“I think I just needed the culture change. I think it was just better to not be a part of that situation anymore.”
Now, it remains to be seen how Teair Tart can prove his caliber in the Dolphins squad under head coach Mike McDaniel’s leadership.
