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Jake Long: Falcons Sign Former Pro-Bowl Tackle

By Jonathan Savitske

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After much speculation over the past couple of weeks, the Atlanta Falcons and former number 1 pick Jake Long finally agreed to a contract on Tuesday to add the former Pro-Bowl tackle to the Falcons’ offensive line.

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Jake Long missed most of last season after suffering an ACL tear last October. According to NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling, Long has been cleared to play renowned orthopedic surgeon by Dr. James Andrews. The reason for the hold-up in agreeing to terms with Jake Long is that the Falcons wanted to see progress from his workout over a month ago.

Dan Quinn likes the versatility of Jake Long to play both right tackle and left tackle, and can see Long playing alongside Ryan Schraeder, who played well on Monday night. Quinn mentioned that Jake Long will start at Left Tackle but will swing to the right when needed. The Falcons also announced a corresponding move, releasing SS Chris Godfrey to make room for Jake Long on the roster.

Dan Quinn also stated at this afternoon’s press conference that he does not expect Jake Long to be ready to play this Sunday against the New York Football Giants at MetLife Stadium. Long will need some time to adjust to Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme.

Jake Long is a four-time pro bowler for the St. Louis Rams, and is also the recipient of one All-Pro selection. Long was released by the Rams in March in order to save them $8 million on their salary cap.

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Long will join an offensive line that consists of 2014 number 1 pick Jake Matthews at left tackle and Ryan Schraeder at right tackle. Lamar Holmes is currently on the IR, while Tyler Polumbus and Bryce Harris are still on the roster.

I personally thought that Tyler Polumbus would be released as a result of the Jake Long signing after playing poorly in the preseason. In all, I think this is a good move by GM Thomas Dimitroff and the Atlanta Falcons in an effort to solidify their offensive line that has been horrendous over the course of the last two seasons.

The signing of Jake Long is a low risk and high reward acquisition that could pay dividends this season if the former pro-bowler can successfully resurrect his career in Atlanta. He has never had a QB like Matt Ryan, and with the Falcons’ new-found run game, Jake Long could prove to be a key cog on a rising Falcons squad. 

Next: Atlanta Falcons: 5 Things Learned from Week 1

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