The offensive line is one of the most important areas of focus for teams heading into free agency this year and Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long is one of the top options for NFL general managers looking to bolster their blocking for their quarterbacks.
Long is a former number one overall pick and although he has dealt with injuries over the past year, he should still be a prime free agent target and so far a number of teams have shown their interest, including the St. Louis Rams and the Chicago Bears. According to ESPN.com, Mike Garafolo at USA Today writes that both teams are interested in the left tackle as the Dolphins have no interest in retaining Long and that they are ready to let him go.
According to Mike Garafolo at USA Today, the Rams and Bears are the top contenders, as he wrote on Twitter: "It's been relatively quiet on the Long front. Bears and Rams believed to be among the most interested. We'll see."
Long was one of the most consistent offensive linemen in the league after being drafted number one overall in 2008, but he has struggled over the past two years with injuries and missed four games last year after suffering a left triceps injury. Long also missed the final game of the 2011 season after suffering a biceps injury, although he has been healthy for the majority of his career.
Long missed just two games over his first three seasons before missing the final game of the 2011 season and he made the Pro Bowl three times prior to last season. The Dolphins invested a lot of money into Long as a number one overall pick, but they feel it is time to move on and could sign another free agent, including Sam Baker or Michael Boothe, or draft someone in April to replace him.
Miami has a decent amount of cap space, but they plan on signing Mike Wallace and could be big spenders come Tuesday's opening. Long has received a clean bill of health from Dr. James Andrews and that could factor into how many teams go after him.
According to Yahoo Sports, Dr. Andrews was the surgeon who performed surgery on Long's triceps recently and after seeing him he said he "looked great" and that his injury issues should be behind him heading forward in his career.
"I just saw him [Wednesday] and he looked great," said Andrews. He also said that Long's knee is much better and that the player is "the best he has felt in years."
The Dolphins could have used their franchise tag on Long, but they instead decided to keep Randy Starks on a one year deal and appear to be ready to let Long go. The team already re-signed Brian Hartline and quarterback Matt Moore and still could go after Greg Jennings along with Wallace.
Long is a prime target for both the Rams and the Bears, as both teams are looking for more protection for their franchise quarterbacks. The Rams went 7-9 in their first season under head coach Jeff Fisher and the team knows it's in their best interests to keep quarterback Sam Bradford upright next year.
The Rams ranked just 19th in rushing last season and the addition of Long could help with the loss of running back Steven Jackson, who is now a free agent after opting out of the final year of his deal.. The NFC West will be a tough division to take next season, especially after the Seahawks acquired Percy Harvin and the 49ers traded for Anquan Boldin.
The Bears are a prime target for Long, as quarterback Jay Cutler has been sacked a ridiculous amount over the past two seasons and had to miss a game last year after suffering a concussion. General manager Phil Emery will be looking to upgrade the offensive line and if Long don't ask for too much money, the Bears could be a perfect landing spot.