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

Free-agent offensive lineman Jake Long is looking for a new NFL team after playing just one season for the Atlanta Falcons.

Continue for updates.

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Long Comments on Health

Saturday, June 18

"I'm finally healthy," Long said, per Michael Rothstein of ESPN. "This is the healthiest and best I've felt in probably about five, six years. My knee's back. I've just been working out, feeling good and ready for the opportunity when it comes along."

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Long Visiting Bears Amid Quiet Offseason

Thursday, June 2

Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the news of the tackle's Bears workout.

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Long Looking to Turn Career Around After Injury-Riddled Stretch

Long appeared in just four games and made no starts last season after signing a one-year contract with the Falcons. There hasn't been much buzz surrounding his status since he returned to free agency this offseason.

The Miami Dolphins made the Michigan product the first overall pick in the 2008 draft. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons and capitalized on that success by signing a four-year, $36 million contract with the St. Louis Rams ahead of the 2013 campaign.

Alas, injuries have sapped much of the natural talent he displayed when he broke into the league. He suffered a torn ACL and MCL late in 2013. He returned to play seven games for St. Louis in 2014 before suffering a second ACL tear in as many years.

Last September, after the Falcons signed him following Week 1, Paul Newberry of the Associated Press noted the tackle admitted it was "hard to watch" the season get started without him. He also discussed the progress he was making after the setbacks.

"I feel good," Long said at the time. "I spent a long offseason getting strong again, getting the knee right. As long as I keep progressing well, I'm excited about what I can do."

The Bears seem like a good fit on paper. The team added fellow tackle Bobby Massie back in March, but he's expected to play the right side. That leaves unproven Charles Leno, a former seventh-round pick with just 14 career starts under his belt, on the left.

So Long would likely have an opportunity to fight for a starting job in Chicago. Even if he didn't end up beating out Leno for the blindside spot, his versatility would make him a valuable reserve in the same swing tackle role he filled in Atlanta last season.