Jake Long: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent OL

Free-agent offensive tackle Jake Long is in search of a new team as he recovers from another ACL injury, with both the Giants and Falcons expressing interest in the veteran. 

Continue below for updates.

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Long Leaves Broncos, Giants, Falcons Workouts Without Deal

Friday, July 31

Long departed Denver without a contract offer from the Broncos, according to Vic Lombardi of CBS 4 in Denver on July 30, who added a quote from general manager John Elway: "We're doing our homework on it...never count anything out." 

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reported on July 29 Long met with the Giants. The lineman previously met with the Giants at the end of May, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com (h/t Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk).

"If Jake Long checks out medically - clearly a big if, but still - Giants should not let him leave the building," Art Stapleton of the Record said. "Makes too much sense to sign."

On July 28, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Long was in Atlanta for a physical and a workout with the Falcons. But Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the workout was just preliminary and no offer had been made. 

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Long's Career in Jeopardy?

Friday, July 31

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole wondered whether this was the end of the line for the talented lineman:

The 6'7", 315-pound lineman has seen his past two seasons end with ACL injuries, which led to his former team, the St. Louis Rams, releasing him back in March. 

Long's health has obviously made teams incredibly wary about signing him. 

The seven-year veteran has only played in three full seasons and has battled bicep and triceps injuries as well, per Wilkening. 

Long is a four-time Pro Bowler and a former No. 1 overall pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2008. After five seasons in Florida, Long signed a four-year deal with the Rams but only completed two before his release. 

Atlanta can always use a little more protection for franchise quarterback Matt Ryan, as Long could team up with second-year man Jake Matthews, whom the Falcons selected sixth overall in 2014. The Falcons were tied for ninth in the league with 31 sacks allowed last season despite being hit with the injury bug. 

It would be playing with fire in a way if the Falcons strike a deal with Long, but the rewards could far outweigh risks if he is able to string together anything close to a full season.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.