NFL Free Agency: Jake Long Is “Very Sought After” by 4 Teams

Sept 9, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Dolphins tackle Jake Long (77) blocks Houston Texans outside linebacker Connor Barwin (98) during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Texans won 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Out of all the free agents on the market, the best player might be Miami Dolphins offensive left tackle Jake Long. And when you’re the best player on the market, and at a crucial position like left tackle, it shouldn’t come as any surprise you’d be coveted by many NFL teams.

“As it turns out, he is going to be very sought after in this market,” reported Schefter on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

While that wasn’t “breaking news,” Schefter went on to name 4 teams that are pursuing Long heavily: Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, and the Miami Dolphins. The Eagles gave up 48 sacks last season, 5th highest total in the NFL. The Bears came in at #8 with 44 sacks. The Dolphins who had Long last season by comparison gave up 37 sacks.

Long is trying to get a deal that would average out to $11 million annually but $9 million might be more reasonable.

Who knows where he’ll wind up but you’d have to think the favorites to resign him would be the Miami Dolphins. They’re a growing organization he is familiar with. Chicago would be the second team I think he’d sign with. They’re potential contenders who have solid pieces in place and can get into the playoffs.

I don’t know why he’d want to go to St. Louis to play in a division with some of the toughest defenses and on a mediocre team. The Eagles were the worst team in the NFC East and the transition their makes them a wild card with an uncertain future. I don’t know if he’d want to be part of that rebuilding phase.

Of course, money talks so he’ll entertain all possibilities.

UPDATE: