Merling was selected 32nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.
Although being picked 32nd overall, Merling is considered a second-round pick due to the involvement of the New England Patriots in the Spygate Scandal, resulting in the loss of their first round pick.
In Week 17 of the 2008 season, he intercepted a Brett Favre pass and returned it for a touchdown, helping the Dolphins clinch the 2008 AFC East Division championship.

Before the 2010 season he suffered a torn Achilles' Tendon and was ruled out for the season, although he was activated before the Dolphins' Week 13 game with Cleveland.

Merling was waived by the Dolphins on April 23, 2012.
He had only made seven tackles over the last two seasons.
Merling was selected 32nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Although being picked 32nd overall, Merling is considered a second-round pick due to the involvement of the New England Patriots in the Spygate Scandal, resulting in the loss of their first round pick. In Week 17 of the 2008 season, he intercepted a Brett Favre pass and returned it for a touchdown, helping the Dolphins clinch the 2008 AFC East Division championship.
Before the 2010 season he suffered a torn Achilles' Tendon and was ruled out for the season, although he was activated before the Dolphins' Week 13 game with Cleveland.
Merling was waived by the Dolphins on April 23, 2012. He had only made seven tackles over the last two seasons.
Phillip Merling