According to ESPN, the four-time Pro Bowler is going to have a private workout with the Falcons today.
Former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long is set to work out for the Atlanta Falcons this afternoon, per @mortreport.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2015
As the former number one pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Long has had a successful career thus far. Atlanta has Jake Matthews starting at left tackle and Ryan Schraeder starting at right tackle, but besides those two, Atlanta is very thin at the tackle position. If the Falcons do decide to sign Long, it would be a smart decision. The past two years, the offensive line has not held up to due lack of play or injuries, and Long could help make a difference in the long run.
It is unclear on how healthy Long is, as he is coming off his second ACL surgery. So he is not the player he once was due to injuries. His experience would help, and he could mentor second-year offensive tackle Jake Matthews. Maybe Long could take over at left tackle, which would slide Matthews to right. Or maybe Matthews and Schraeder would start with Long coming off the bench. With all the scenarios, it could only turn out well for the Falcons offense, as they would have three capable starting offensive tackles.
With all that being said, Atlanta should sign Long. He won’t demand a large chunk of money, as many have low expectations on him. He could possibly resurrect his career in Atlanta, although I doubt he ever gets back to that form. Sign Long to a low-cost deal, and let him, Matthews, and Schraeder fight for the starting spots.