Eagles Continue to Add Veteran Depth with Chris Long Deal

Long could potentially earn a starting job with season with the Eagles

Philadelphia has made several major splashes in free agency this offseason, highlighted by wide receivers Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith when the free agency clock began earlier this month.

Despite starting last season with the fifth-oldest roster in the NFL the Eagles continue to ensure they have enough veteran depth to make it through the grueling NFL season.

Super Bowl champion Chris Long is the next veteran to join the Eagles, a move announced by the team on their Twitter account on Long’s 32nd birthday Tuesday afternoon.

Philadelphia sports blog Crossing Broad speculated the signing of Long less than an hour before the team made the official announcement.

Long played the first eight years of his NFL career with the then St. Louis Rams before playing for the Patriots last year.

More from NFL Free Agency

• Ideal landing spots for Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and other free agent running backs
• AFC East Buzz: Ezekiel Elliot visits Patriots; Dalvin Cook-Jets rumors heat up
• NFL Free Agency: 5 most intriguing landing spots for Dalvin Cook
• AFC South Buzz: Titans nab DeAndre Hopkins; Engram gets paid
• 5 Teams That Should Sign Free Agent WR DeAndre Hopkins

While not as potent of a pass rusher as he was in his prime Long continued to make an impact on the football field by supplying four sacks en route to his first Super Bowl title.

Pro Football Focus rated Long as the 58th best edge defender last season.

Philadelphia provides Long the opportunity to compete for a starting job in camp against former second-round pick Vinny Curry. Fans hoped Curry would flourish in Jim Schwartz’s 4-3 defense, but a lack of opportunities stifled his growth.

Curry will likely have the edge going into camp with veteran Conor Barwin no longer in town, but the presence of an established veteran such as Long will keep the fire burning under the 28-year-old Curry.

Next: NFL Draft: Teams Smartly Playing the Poor Quarterback Class

By securing depth at wide receiver and pass rusher through free agency the Eagles will likely turn their focus towards either cornerback or running back when they host the NFL Draft next month.