The Los Angeles Rams shocked many NFL fans when they cut defensive end Chris Long and linebacker James Laurinaitis back in February, and the two talented defensive players are receiving plenty of interest on the open market.
The Rams needed to create cap space and felt like they needed to move on from the two defensive playmakers, and Long has been making his way around the league, as he has reportedly met with the Atlanta Falcons. The former second overall draft pick in 2008 has seen his numbers drop in recent seasons but managed three sacks in 12 games last season despite a knee injury.
The Falcons aren't the only team interested in the pass rusher, as the New England Patriots are reportedly "showing interest" in the defensive end. Long turns 31 years old prior to next season, but he could be a strong fit in New England, as the Patriots look to bolster their pass rush.
The 6-foot-3, 268-pound defensive end has already met with the Washington Redskins and was also reportedly scheduled to visit with the Dallas Cowboys. Long is clearly receiving plenty of interest around the league, but money will likely determine where the free agent pass rusher lands this offseason.
The Patriots could provide a strong fit for Long and could use him in a rotation with players like Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Jaball Sheard, who are all entering their final year of their respective contracts. It will be interesting to see where the former first round pass rusher lands in 2016, and if teams that are contenders will hold more weight when he comes close to making a decision.
The Patriots officially landed wide receiver Chris Hogan on Friday when the Bills declined their right of first refusal, and after adding a wide receiver, offensive line and pass rush are likely the next top priorities in free agency. The team added its second free agent by reportedly signing defensive lineman Frank Kearse, who will bring depth to their defensive line and has recorded 5.5 sacks in five seasons in the NFL.
New England may not have made the big splashes in free agency that some fans have been hoping for, but head coach Bill Belichick has been the model of consistency coaching in the NFL and has continually gotten the most out of his players. It's unclear if the Patriots will make a big push for Long, but expect New England to continue to make small moves that may seem unnoticeable but could be big factors once the season begins.
