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NFL Free Agency: Jake Long to sign one-year deal with Baltimore Ravens

By Dave Stevenson

Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams tackle Jake Long (77) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams tackle Jake Long (77) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with former first round pick offensive tackle Jake Long.

Even after drafting Ronnie Stanley with their first-round pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens needed to add some depth to an offensive line that struggled during the 2015 season. According to Adam Schefter, the Ravens have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran left tackle Jake Long.

Long should help the Ravens on the offensive line. He gives Stanley a strong mentor and allows the Ravens to let him grow instead of rushing him into a starting left tackle position that he might not be prepared to handle.

Stanley has a lot that he could learn from Long. Long was the first overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. A three-time Pro Bowler, Long has also played for the Rams and the Atlanta Falcons. He has fought back from numerous ACL surgeries and was a solid starter last season for the Falcons, appearing in four games for them.

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Long could also serve as a backup for Rick Wagner, the Ravens’ right tackle. Wagner struggled at times last season and much like Stanley, he could learn a lot from Long. Long has had trouble staying on the field due to injuries, but he has been dominant when healthy.

The Ravens should certainly benefit from Long’s signing, even if all he serves as is depth behind Stanley and Wagner. Baltimore suffered from injuries last season and it’s pretty clear that they want more depth in case of injuries this season.

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