In a classic Friday afternoon news dump, the Los Angeles Rams announced they released DE Chris Long, along with TE Jared Cook and LB James Laurinaitis. Long is the biggest name of the group, although he has hit a bit of rough patch in recent years. Long himself admits he's been bad (in more colorful language) the past two years, missing time with injuries and recording just four sacks. The Rams decision to cut Long saved the team nearly $12 million in salary cap space.
But Long isn't far removed being a top-notch DE and had 20 sacks in the previous two years before injuries appeared. At just 30 years old, Long will get another shot in the NFL. It shouldn't cost that much to sign Long, as his value is down. But what team will add Long this offseason? He's a 4-3 DE only, which means any 3-4 teams wouldn't be a good fit. That rules out the possibility of Chris joining his brother Kyle in Chicago. With that in mind, here are five teams that could sign Long.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys need some defensive end help this offseason, and that's only been reinforced by the four-game suspension Randy Gregory received today. The Cowboys have Demarcus Lawrence at one DE spot, but Greg Hardy and Jeremy Mincey are free agents. Signing Long to replace Hardy makes perfect sense of the Cowboys. In many ways, he's the anti-Hardy. Long is a great teammate and would provide value as both a mentor and pass rusher for the Cowboys. Money is a little bit tight in Dallas, meaning Long won't get a massive contract. But coming off two bad seasons, Long isn't likely to get a massive deal anyway.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers play a 4-3 defense and desperately need help at defensive end, which makes Long a perfect fit. William Gholston showed some promise, but the team needs more help. Long could come in and contribute right away, while allowing the Bucs to spend a later pick on the position and develop a player or two. The Bucs are loaded with cap space and could give Long more money to help convince him to head to Tampa Bay. For more Bucs rumors, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
New England Patriots
The Patriots could use an upgrade over Rob Ninkovich, who has declined. Long can provide that upgrade, and serve as the team's 4-3 DE alongside Chandler Jones. Long doesn't have the type of versatility that Bill Belichick loves, but Long is good enough as DE that he can help contribute. With only a bit of cap space, Long might have to take less to play in New England.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders might not be an ideal fit for Long, in large part because they don't always play a 4-3 defense. The Raiders occasionally use a 3-4 scheme, and the team has Khalil Mack and Mario Edwards already. However, Justin Tuck did elect to retire and Long can come in right away and take over Tuck's snaps. Plus, Long's father Howie played his entire Hall of Fame career with the Raiders. There's some reason to be cautious about pegging Long to Oakland, but it's a real possibility. For more Raiders rumors, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
Los Angeles Rams
That's right, don't rule out the team that just cut Long. Long loves the Rams, and was open to restructuring his deal to stay with the Rams before being cut. The Rams do need defensive end depth with Long cut, as Robert Quinn is the only returning starter and William Hayes and Eugene Sims are both free agents. While it might be a long shot, there is a chance Long re-signs with the Rams.