On the same day the New England Patriots traded Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals, they added pass-rush depth.
The Patriots signed defensive end Chris Long to a one-year contract, ESPN’s Trey Wingo reported Tuesday. Long and his brother, Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long, confirmed the signing, via Twitter.
Long had three sacks in 12 games last season as he dealt with a knee injury. The 2008 second-overall draft pick has 54.5 sacks in eight NFL seasons.. The Los Angeles Rams released him last month.
Long joins Jabaal Sheard, Rob Ninkovich, Trey Flowers, Geneo Grissom, Rufus Johnson and Eric Martin in the Patriots’ pass-rushing corps. He’ll likely serve as a rotational pass rusher behind Sheard and Ninkovich.
Long’s father, Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long, was born in Charlestown, Mass., and grew up in Milford, Mass.
The Patriots acquired the 61st overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and guard Jonathan Cooper for Jones. The trade left a hole at defensive end that Long should fill if he can turn around his career after two down seasons.
Thumbnail photo via Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports Images
