After being released by the Jets on Feb. 5, Spencer Long has already found a new home.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Long will be staying in the AFC East and signing a three-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. The terms of the contract are currently undisclosed.
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1095372747360952323
To say Long’s lone season in the Big Apple would be an understatement. The Jets brought him in on a four-year, $28 million deal to replace Wesley Johnson and bring back stability to a position that has long been a model of consistency on 1 Jets Drive. Instead, Long was arguably worse than his predecessor.
Throughout the year, Long struggled with his snaps and blocking in both run and pass protection. Long’s inconsistent snapping made life tough on rookie quarterback Sam Darnold, often putting him in uncomfortable positions taking snaps both under center and in the shotgun. A lingering finger injury could be to blame for Long’s underwhelming play, but he was struggling long before his finger became a hindrance.
It was not until Long took over for the injured James Carpenter at guard late in the season that he turned it around and performed like the player the Jets expected him to be when they signed him in free agency. However, it was not enough to save his job, as New York ultimately decided to let him go.
By cutting Long, the Jets freed up $6.5 million in salary cap space. General manager Mike Maccagnan and company will likely put that money to use and take another crack at signing a free agent center come March. Some potential targets at the position include Matt Paradis and Mitch Morse.
