New England Patriots: Chris Long Will Not Return in 2017
Defensive End Chris Long came to the New England Patriots with the goal to win a ring. With the mission accomplished, he will not be returning to the team in 2017.
Veteran pass rusher Chris Long will not be returning to the New England Patriots in 2017. He has said that the move is not motivated by money or anything of the sort. Long is simply looking to once again play a larger role on a defense, as he was mainly a third-down player for the Patriots.
In 2016, Long had just 4.0 sacks with 22 tackles and a fumble recovery.
In the playoffs, en route to a Super Bowl win, Chris Long had just a single tackle. He did have one of the biggest plays in Super Bowl LI, as he was nearing in on Atlanta’s QB and forced a crucial holding call.
Long announced his offseason move plans on Instagram with the following caption.
"More from New England PatriotsFormer Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason GamePatriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even BeginsNew Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKingsEzekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With PatriotsThank you Pats Nation. As a player you’ve given so much support to, I owe you an explanation as to why I’ll be moving on in FA… even if it isn’t a big deal.This year and this opportunity gave me a ton. I made lifelong friends in a great locker room and became a champion. I’m so thankful that Coach B (the GOAT) took a chance on me and allowed me the opportunity to play a small part in this wonderful year.This has zero to do with money, etc. It’s the right move in my heart because I want to get back to being the player I was before. I’m thankful for my role this year, but as a competitor, I’m itching to do what I do best.It was important to say thank you personally. You may not remember me much, but I’ll always remember y’all!! #driveforfive#missionaccomplished"
Many have pointed out that Long actually played in 60% of New England’s defensive snaps this season. He did see his playing time dwindle as the season went on. He played in 20 of 69 snaps in the AFC Championship game and just 15 of 49 snaps in the Super Bowl. The play time slide was likely due to the emergence of Trey Flowers.
In the end, it was a win-win season for Long and the New England Patriots. He wanted a ring, and the team needed to replace Chandler Jones. Each scenario played out perfectly as the Lombardi is back in Foxboro.
Long will enter free agency, as will defensive end Jabaal Sheard and defensive tackle Alan Branch. New England will likely have a completely new look on the defensive line in 2017.
Next: Jared Odrick Visits New England
The team hosted free agent defensive end Jared Odrick recently.