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Ex-Rams DE Long Signs With Patriots

The Patriots, perhaps more than any other organization in the NFL, have an amazing knack for taking players discarded from terrible teams and helping them revive their careers. Last month, in a surprising move, the Rams cut longtime defensive end Chris Long. And now, in a development that should come as a surprise to no one, the Pats have signed Long to a one-year deal, reports ESPN's Trey Wingo.

The news comes hours after the Patriots shipped 26-year-old pass rusher Chandler Jones to Arizona in exchange for guard Jonathan Cooper and the Cardinals' 2016 second-round pick.

 

The Rams parted ways with Long, who will be 31 later this month, because of his hefty contract and recent lack of production -- though most of that can be attributed to injuries. To Long's credit, he took full responsibility in an Instagram post to fans shortly after he was let go.

 

Meanwhile, Long's addition means the Patriots have a reasonably priced, if short-term, solution along the defensive line; Jones' contract is up after the 2016 season and he will be looking at a substantial pay bump, one the Pats apparently weren't interested in taking on. If Long plays well, he could sign another short-term deal to stay in New England, or, worst case, the team now has 18 months to restock the position.

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