The New England Patriots have quickly found their replacement for Chandler Jones, in veteran defensive end Chris Long. Long will sign a one-year deal, and immediately slot into a starting role, sharing time in New England’s versatile defense with Jabaal Sheard and Rob Ninkovich.
The Patriots are signing DE Chris Long, per the great @wingoz.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2016
Long, 30, was the second overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft out of the University of Virginia. Long didn’t miss a game until last season, when he was plagued by an injured ankle. Long, the son of former NFL player Howie Long, tweeted out a confirmation of the deal.
https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/status/709918638816550912?lang=en
Long has 51.5 sacks in his seven-year career, and will serve as a temporary replacement for the loss of Jones via trade. The contract details are to be determined, but the Patriots cleared a great deal of space in the Jones deal.
Long played his entire career with the St. Louis Rams, who are now on their way to their new home in Los Angeles. The Rams elected to release Long and allow their veteran pass rusher to find a new home with a contender.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
