The New England Patriots wasted little time partially filling the Chandler Jones’ spot.
The same day they traded Jones to the Arizona Cardinals, the Pats signed free agent Chris Long to a one-year deal.
The Patriots traded the high-priced Jones for offensive guard Jonathan Cooper and a second-round pick. They were likely to lose Jones in free agency after the upcoming season and decided they wanted something in return for him now. They also likely made the Jones trade knowing they could sign Long, who made it known he wanted to play for a contender.
Long will be 31 later this month and only registered four sacks the past two seasons. He hasn’t been a terribly productive player of late but must have had a good workout for the Pats.
A former No. 2 overall pick in the draft, Long may not start at defensive end for the Patriots, but he will certainly receive plenty of snaps and try to show he still has something left. He might have to tone down the humor though knowing he’s now playing for Bill Belichick.
