Seeking veteran depth for their offensive line, the Ravens are adding offensive tackle and former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long to the mix.
According to ESPN, the sides agreed to a one-year deal on Tuesday that is pending a physical. Long, 31, will need to prove he is healthy as injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in 2013 and 2014 have derailed the four-time Pro Bowl selection’s NFL career.
Long hasn’t started a game since suffering the second injury to his right knee on Oct. 26, 2014 and appeared in just four contests for the Atlanta Falcons last season. The University of Michigan product told ESPN last month that he was ready to help a team and feels healthier than he has in several years.
The 6-foot-7, 322-pound lineman confirmed the news of his agreement with the Ravens via 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
With the Ravens selecting left tackle Ronnie Stanley with the sixth overall pick in April’s draft and cutting oft-injured veteran Eugene Monroe last month, Long figures to have a chance to compete for a roster spot and to serve as a more established backup tackle. Last November, it was reserve left tackle James Hurst who was driven back into franchise quarterback Joe Flacco’s left knee, causing a season-ending ACL injury.
Since the Ravens already had an open spot on their 90-man training camp roster, they do not need to make a corresponding move upon officially signing Long.
