After helping the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LII, defensive end Chris Long is reportedly mulling over a “football decision” about whether he wants to return in 2018.
Mike Silver of NFL Network confirmed a report by ESPN’s Field Yates, that Philly has sweetened Long’s contract a bit but noted he hasn’t accepted at this time.
As @fieldyates reported, the Eagles earlier this month offered to upgrade DE Chris Long's 2018 contract. The guaranteed money is actually in the $4 million range. However, Long has not yet accepted. Still mulling over what a source says is a "football decision" whether to return.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 21, 2018
Then, responding to this report, Geoff Mosher of FanRag Sports noted Long had said after the season that he had to decide whether he wanted to play at all.
Interesting.
Long said after the season that he needed to decide this offseason whether he still wanted to play in 2018. https://t.co/xdevLBV3MN
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffPMosher) March 21, 2018
Silver then noted Long could either decide to retire of play elsewhere and wondered whether Long was questioning his potential role on Philly’s defensive line now that Michael Bennett has been brought on board.
In theory, he could decide to retire… or play elsewhere… given his productivity in 2017, perhaps the signing of Michael Bennett has him questioning his role. I'm sure he has a lot on his mind right now. https://t.co/a4t2RT3Lez
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 21, 2018
Long appeared in all 16 regular-season games for the Eagles last year, tallying 28 tackles and five sacks as a rotational pass rusher. He was also one of the team’s locker-room leaders and a pillar of the Philadelphia community. So it’s not just about what he does on the field that makes him so valuable.
No doubt, the Eagles want him back, which is why they’re offering more guaranteed money. However, based on the fact that Long donated his salary last year it would seem money isn’t the biggest consideration for this two-time Super Bowl champ.