Report: Patriots Showing Interest In Rams DE Chris Long
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long is busy making his rounds in free agency. The former No. 2 overall pick is now drawing interest from the New England Patriots, according to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal.
Long, 30, has already visited the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Atlanta Falcons. The defensive end racked up 41.5 sacks from 2010-13 but has played just 18 games with four sacks in the past two seasons, missing time due to knee and ankle injuries. According to Pro Football Focus, Long was just the 98th-highest-graded edge defender in the NFL in 2015.
After spending the first eight years of his career in St. Louis, Long wants to take his time before making a decision sometime next week.
"When you spend eight years in one place, your next decision needs to be the right one," Long said in an interview with SiriusXM. "I think I'm just being very patient."
Based on another quote from Long, the Patriots have an edge over his other suitors in one major area, which could end up bringing him to Foxboro to be, at worst, a quality veteran depth piece on the defensive line alongside Jabaal Sheard and Rob Ninkovich.
"I want to go to a team that's going to be in the playoffs ... It's all about football and winning for me."
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
