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

Scott PolacekMay 28, 2015

Offensive tackle and former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long saw his 2014 season with the St. Louis Rams cut short with injury. He could join a different team for the 2015 campaign.

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Long Visits Giants

Thursday, May 28

ESPN’s Dan Graziano noted Thursday that “sources say free-agent OT Jake Long visited the Giants today. Obviously interesting light of Beatty injury.” FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo noted that the meeting was just an introduction and that there's not a rush to sign.

The Beatty injury Graziano referenced happened when tackle Will Beatty tore his pectoral muscle while lifting weights this offseason. Considering Beatty started every game for the New York Giants last year and has been a mainstay along their offensive line since 2011, the depth up front is an obvious concern.

Long himself tore his ACL last season and has dealt with numerous serious injuries in his career. However, he was still a former No. 1 overall pick (Miami Dolphins in 2008 NFL draft) and has the athleticism and physicality necessary to dominate edge pass-rushers when healthy. The Giants also have a glaring need at the position, so this makes sense on paper.

Graziano actually suggested earlier in the offseason that the only thing holding this potential match back could have been Long’s health:

Long will certainly not be handed Beatty’s starting spot if he does sign in New York since the Giants selected tackle Ereck Flowers with the No. 9 overall pick in this year’s draft. There will likely be some growing pains for the youngster as he becomes accustomed to the speed and physicality of the NFL, but the talent is there to be a starting tackle for the next 10 years.

Long can serve as an insurance policy for depth purposes and a veteran leader for the rookie. Don’t be surprised if Long earns a starting job (assuming he is fully healthy by the start of the season) and eventually gives way to Flowers over time as the Miami product learns the ropes.

For now, the Giants can certainly use the depth at the position after Beatty’s injury.