The Philadelphia Eagles will have veteran defensive end Chris Long back in the fold for the 2018 season, team general manager Howie Roseman told reporters on Monday.
“Confirmed,” said Roseman at the NFL Annual Meeting, per Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice. “Chris is a hugely important part of our team, and I think sometimes there’s this perception that Chris is hugely important part of the team because of what he does off the field, which is a big part of Chris Long. He’s an unbelievable teammate.”
The Eagles recently sweetened the pot in an effort to convince Long to return, but for a while there was uncertainty about whether he would be playing in 2018.
Roseman lauded Long as “really productive” and said, “the guy is getting consistent pressure on the quarterback.”
Last season as a rotational pass rusher for the Eagles, Long racked up five sacks and four forced fumbles. He also was a key player for Philly in the NFC Championship Game, forcing Case Keenum into a bad pass, which was picked off for six points by Patrick Robinson (watch here).
The Eagles are going to be a formidable team once again in 2018, and Long will continue to provide a spark rushing the passer.