According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News, free agent tackle Jake Long is headed to Denver for a meeting with the Broncos.
It does not appear that Jake Long will be signing with the Giants today. He is planning to leave tonight for a visit to the Denver Broncos.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) July 29, 2015
Long could shore up a key position of question for the Broncos, who lost All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady during OTAs to an ACL tear. Rookie Ty Sambrailo, a Colorado State product, has been installed in Clady’s place and the team signed veteran and former Bronco Ryan Harris shortly after Clady’s injury. Harris is currently projected to start at right tackle.
The 30-year-old Long is a four-time Pro Bowler (2008-11) and was named an All-Pro in 2010 with the Miami Dolphins.
Long brings a severe injury history when he comes to visit Denver, however. He was released in March by the Rams after his second consecutive season was cut short by an ACL injury. Additionally, he was placed on injured reserve in the final week of the 2011 season after suffering a torn right biceps. Long was about to enter the third year of a four-year, $36 million contract with the Rams when he was released.
Long met with the New York Giants twice this offseason, including as recently as this week, but has not yet signed with the club – opening the door for the Broncos to make a pitch and discuss his injury history.
There’s no doubt Long has the technical skills the Broncos need to protect Peyton Manning in what could be the all-time touchdown leader’s final push for a second Super Bowl, but his injury history of late is cause for concern. Based on that injury history, Long would not likely demand a salary perhaps equal to his pedigree; however, the Giants have $4.67 million to spend this year and Long is still entertaining offers. Denver, by comparison, has $7.01 million available to spend for 2015.
