The Ravens bolstered their offensive line by adding some depth in the form of a four-time Pro Bowler who was a No. 1 overall pick. On Tuesday, Jake Long landed in Baltimore.
NFL.com's Mike Garafolo and ESPN's Adam Schefter both reported the news of the Ravens' decision to sign Long to a one-year deal, while Long himself provided confirmation on Twitter.
So excited to be a part of the Ravens organization!! Back to football and a lot to prove. Time to get to work!!
— Jake Long (@JakeLong77) July 26, 2016
Long, drafted first overall by the Dolphins in 2008, is trying to prolong a career that's taken a nosedive in recent years due to injuries.
At the end of the 2013 season with the Rams, he tore his ACL. In middle of 2014, he tore the same ACL. Last year with the Falcons, Long appeared in four total games.
A month ago, Long insisted that he's finally good to go.
"I'm finally healthy," Long told ESPN. "This is the healthiest and best I've felt in probably about five, six years. My knee's back. I've just been working out, feeling good and ready for the opportunity when it comes along."
Long shouldn't start in Baltimore, but he could provide some depth if he makes the team. Eugene Monroe is no longer around and the team is depending on first-round pick Ronnie Stanley to protect Joe Flacco's blindside.
Long could, in theory, serve as Stanley's backup and mentor. He went to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2008-11 and was voted first team All-Pro in 2010.
