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The New England Patriots have signed former Rams DE Chris Long to a one-year deal.
This is an opportunity and I am so thankful!!! Whatever it takes!!! See you soon Boston. GO PATS
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 16, 2016
Long was the #2 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Virginia. In his eight years with the Rams, Long put up 54.5 sacks, though just four of those came in the last two years. He signed a contract with the Rams back in 2012 that had him under wraps through this season, but the Rams released Long (along with MLB James Laurinaitis and TE Jared Cook) back in February.
The move reunites Long with former St. Louis Rams WR Danny Amendola who played with Long from 2009 to 2012 in St. Louis. Amendola signed with the Pats as a free agent in 2013 and re-signed last season on a three-year deal keeping him in New England through the 2017 season. The Patriots also signed former St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson last December to shore up their RB depth heading into the playoffs. That one-year deal has expired and Jackson is a free agent again, though, so he won't be teammates with Long for a second time.
In all, it's a good landing spot for La Flama Blanca. As tough as it will be to see him wear a uniform other than one provided by the Rams, you have to feel good for Chris.
Best of luck, 91.