Jake Long to Falcons: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Offensive tackle Jake Long has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced Tuesday. 

Long is entering his eighth season in the NFL after spending the last two years with the St. Louis Rams. He appeared in just seven games last season due to a torn ACL. It was the second time in two years that same injury ended his campaign. 

The question of Long's health kept him on the free-agent market, as he garnered little interest from teams. The left tackle did meet with the New York Giants toward the end of May, according to ESPN.com's Dan Graziano (via Chris Wesseling of NFL.com), but interest remained tepid at best.

The Miami Dolphins drafted Long first overall in 2008, and he appeared in every game in his first three seasons with the team. He excelled in Miami, making the Pro Bowl in four straight seasons from 2008 to 2011, and he was voted first-team All-Pro in 2010. 

In 2013, he signed a four-year, $34 million contract with the Rams, but his injury woes caused the team to release him in March.

According to Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Long likely won't play Sunday vs. the Giants:

"

I think we’d rather go through the practice as see where he’s at. But no, I wouldn’t (expect him to play against the Giants on Sunday). I’m not expecting that, but I am excited to have his competitiveness and toughness. For a guy (to say,) ‘I just want a chance to compete.’ I certainly have a lot of respect for how he goes about his business.”

"

The Falcons offensive line is very much a work in progress, meaning Long can slide in and make an immediate impact. His skills are undeniable, and if he can stay healthy, there's no denying Atlanta got a steal in the former first overall pick. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.