Chris Long Agrees to Contract with Eagles After 1 Year with Patriots

Chris Long boosted his stock following a strong 2016 season with the New England Patriots, and he used that fruitful campaign as a springboard to sign a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday.     

Mike Garafolo of NFL.com first reported the news. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network noted the first year Long's contract is "similar" to the one-year, $2.4 million pact he signed with the Pats last year.

"

I'm ready to work!!! #FlyEaglesFly

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 28, 2017"

Long operated as a rotational 5-technique off the edge during his first season with the Patriots, and his numbers were solid considering he failed to produce quality figures during his last two seasons with the then-St. Louis Rams. 

He generated four sacks over his final 18 appearances with the Rams and matched that total in 2016 while playing in all 16 games. He also tied his career high with three pass deflections to go with a forced fumble and 35 combined tackles. 

"Works hard in the weight room, in the training room, so, it's all good, but it's just at a higher level, very consistent, very professional, very dedicated," head coach Bill Belichick said of Long, per NESN.com's Doug Kyed. "I think he has earned everybody’s respect; the players, assistant coaches, like I said, trainers, all of the people in the organization. He has just done everything right and very team-oriented."

That approach should make the 32-year-old a seamless fit along the Eagles defensive line, where he figures to serve as a pass-rushing complement beside Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox and Beau Allen. He'll likely split time with Graham and Vinny Curry on the edge.         

And even though Long isn't a candidate to tout double-digit-sack totals in years ahead, the 6'3", 270-pound lineman has the strength and athleticism necessary to pressure opposing quarterbacks in a rotational capacity moving forward.