St. Louis Rams Rumors: Jake Long Not a Realistic Option in Free Agency

Jake Long had been rumored to be a target of both the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams and the move would make sense for both teams. Both Chicago ans St. Louis are sinkholes at left tackle, and both could use a guy like Long’s talent even if he hasn’t totally lived up to the expectations set for him. But while the Bears remain focused on all their options, the St. Louis Rams are beginning to take their eyes off Long in an effort to not break the bank when it comes to upgrading their offensive line.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Rams have been in contact with Jake Long, but no contract has been offered and it’s likely that the Rams will look in other directions when it comes to filling the hole at left tackle.

"Miami’s Jake Long, has been linked to St. Louis via rumor. The parties have talked. But as of Monday evening, the Rams had not offered a contract. New England’s Sebastian Vollmer, Atlanta’s Sam Baker, or even New Orleans’ Jermon Bushrod could be more realistic options at the position."

There is no guarantee that Bushrod is returning to the Saints and history suggests that he might sign elsewhere. After many Pro Bowl years with the Saints, Carl Nicks opted to sign with a division rival in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, so that could indicate Bushrod’s willingness to move on from the Saints as well.

Either way, it appears as though the Rams are starting to pull out of the running for Jake Long as long as he’s floating around terms like highest paid tackle in the NFL. St. Louis wants to get better and they want to protect Sam Bradford as best they can, but they’re not going to break the bank to do so and would much rather find a second tier option and use the rest of the money upgrading the rest of the team.