The New York Jets put an emphasis on fortifying their protection for quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason. It appears they could be looking to add another potential piece up front.
According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets are hoping to bring former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long out of retirement:
Sources: Jets have talked to former Bears Pro Bowl OL Kyle Long about coming out of retirement.
Long was taken by the Bears in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft and immediately fit the billing by earning Pro Bowl honors at both right guard and right tackle in his first three seasons. Unfortunately, injuries soon started to take their toll on Long after he landed on injured reserve over the next three years.
A lingering hip injury would put Long on I.R. once again to end the 2019 campaign and he announced his retirement soon thereafter. If he decided that he wanted to play again, he would return as an unrestricted free agent after Chicago declined their team option for the 2020 NFL season.
The Jets have experienced some significant turnover up front since the start of last season. Long's experience could help serve as a stabilizing factor for a group that is still trying to find its footing.
While his versatile skill set does give the coaching staff more flexibility up front, he would likely be filling in at right tackle with Brian Winters and Greg Van Roten slated to battle it out at right guard. Of course, it remains to be seen if Long feels he is healthy enough to prepare for the grind of an NFL season.
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