Former Miami Dolphins No. 1 overall pick Jake Long hasn’t been a reliable offensive lineman since midway through the 2014 season when he tore his ACL for the second time within a year span.
Long, 31, played four games for the Atlanta Falcons last season, but didn’t start a single one of those outings.
Not garnering any real interest on the free-agent market, Long is set to work out for the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
Former Falcons, Rams and Dolphins OT Jake Long is working out today for the Chicago Bears, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 2, 2016
This is significant for a couple of reasons. First off, Long’s brother, Kyle, is Chicago’s starting right guard and best offensive lineman. The connection there could be one of the reasons the older Long earned a workout.
Secondly, the Bears remain in need of some help along the offensive line. By virtue of moving Kyle Long from tackle to guard this offseason, they have a couple different question marks outside at tackle.
Free-agent signing Bobby Massie is slated to start along the right side while Charles Leno has been taking starting left tackle snaps during off-season team activities.
Despite his recent injury issues, Long has had a ton of success as a starting left tackle in the NFL. He started a total of 89 games for the Dolphins and Rams at left tackle from 2008-14, earning four Pro Bowl appearances during that span.
If Long can prove he’s healthy and there’s still something left in the tank, he might be able to help the Bears out in 2016.