Is Chris Long A Good Fit For The New York Giants?
As the Rams pack their bags, and begin to move from St. Louis to LA, one player will not be joining them, defensive End Chris Long. The Virginia product, was released by the Rams earlier this week. Along with, 2 other veteran players, freeing up an estimated 24 Million in cap space.
Long, is a former first round draft pick, number 2 overall, by the Rams. When Long was drafted he became the second son of a Hall of Famer drafted. Kellen Winslow II, was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Long, was baptized by fire when the Rams gave him the starting DE job his rookie year. Long was up for the challenge earning his first sack on New York Giants QB, Eli Manning, in September of 2008. Long was also extremely versatile, playing both DE spots, and starting 2 games at linebacker in his rookie campaign.
Now a free agent, it appears as if Longs best days are behind him. Having never missed a game during his first 6 seasons, Long has only played in 18 games over the past 2 years do to injury. After having his 2 most productive seasons in 2011, and 2012, Longs numbers have began to plummet.
Do the Giants and Long make a couple?
The best person to answer that question would be Steve Spagnuolo, who was Long’s Head Coach from 2009-2011. Spagnuolo, now being the Giants Defensive Coordinator, will definitely be consulted in possibly bringing Long to New York, but I wouldn’t be preparing to preorder my Chris Long Giants Jersey yet.
Even though, the Giants have 3 unrestricted free agent Defensive Ends, Long does not appear to be a good fit. Of course the Giants could use a veteran in the Defensive End classroom, but what’s even more important is production.
With Chris Long being on the wrong side of 30, coming off 2 consecutive injury plagued seasons, how much he has left in the tank is in question. To make matters worse, Long will not come cheap, his rookie deal was for, six-years $56.5 million, with $29 million guaranteed. The deal was restructured in 2011, making it worth $60 million over 5 years, with $37 million guaranteed. So it’s safe to say, he won’t be playing for the veteran minimum.
Assuming Long wants to be paid as a top 10 DE, like he has become accustomed to, it’s hard to see Jerry Reese forking over that much money, on someone with health concerns. It would seem to be a step in the wrong direction having just released Geoff Schwartz and Will Beatty for similar reasons.
Want to hear more about Chris Long Check out The Voice Of Bedlam Podcast