Chris Long has always been unsure if he’s going to return to the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2019 season, and that was before the start of free agency. Long has rings and a ton of money, but the question now centers around whether or not he still wants to play. Judging from the 2018 season, Long can still play in the NFL and be productive, but the Eagles defensive end has made it clear that the situation has to be right.
Long wants to play, but the Eagles could be making that hard after bringing back Brandon Graham, signing Malik Jackson and now bringing Vinny Curry back on a 1-year deal.
Curry won’t be a huge financial burden on the Eagles, but for Long, losing snaps to Curry and Malik Jackson during pass rush situations could force the philanthropic defensive end to focus on his charities. Curry was brought in to be a run stopper, obvious from his high grade and run stop percentages the last time he was an Eagles player.
With playing time likely being minimal, will Long have a problem with just being a third down, situational pass rusher? It’s a role Long thrived in last season, as he the season finished with 20 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. The 6.5 sacks are Long’s most since the 2013 season in St. Louis with the Rams.
The Eagles definitely want Long back, the ball is now in his court now.
