On Friday morning, the Eagles restructured the contracts of linebacker Nigel Bradham and defensive end Chris Long. General manager Howie Roseman is always thinking of ways to create new cap space but what is noteworthy about these moves is the fact that Chris Long has been contemplating retirement.
Back in July, Long stated that once he doesn’t get as much playing time anymore then he’ll retire:
“Listen, as a competitor, I’m always like, if my coach says, ‘Hey, you’ve got to play 60 plays this week,’ I’m going to smile, because I like to play football. When it comes to the point where I’m playing a really abbreviated role, I don’t want to play anymore. Yeah, 50 percent of the plays was great. I felt great physically.”
With the Eagles trading away Michael Bennett this offseason, the chance for increased playing time is there for Long, even with newly acquired defensive tackle Malik Jackson.
Jackson will likely take the snaps of Tim Jernigan, whereas Long will gobble up some of the snaps left behind by Bennett, with the rest going to Derek Barnett and possibly a draft pick.
Production
Long finished 2018 as ProFootballFocus’ 25th ranked defensive end. Despite only playing 58.96% of the snaps in 2018, Long finished 27th in total quarterback pressures among all NFL defensive ends.
He also had 6.5 sacks, his most since 2013 when he had 8.5. Even with his age (34 in two weeks) he continues to be a force on the defensive line. He will also come back to a pretty formidable defensive line:
The new-look Philadelphia Eagles pass-rushing front pic.twitter.com/jZVIuJliSP
— PFF (@PFF) March 12, 2019
But his value to the Eagles isn’t only on the field.
