The St. Louis Rams are reportedly releasing former top pick Jake Long in what appears to be a cost-cutting move.
ESPN’s Nick Wagoner is reporting that the Rams have informed both Long and center Scott Wells that they have been released.
Rams have informed OT Jake Long and C Scott Wells of their release. Moves save the team about $12 million in salary-cap space.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) March 9, 2015
Long, the No. 1 overall pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 2008 NFL draft, signed a four-year, $34 million contract with the Rams prior to the start of the 2013 season. The deal also called for $20 million guaranteed.
In his two seasons with the Rams, Long started a total of 22 games and struggled big time with injuries. He missed the final nine games of the 2014 campaign with a torn ACL.
At 31 years old and set to count $10.5 million against the cap, Long’s release comes as no surprise. It remains to be seen how much interest he will draw on the open market, especially considering the former Michigan standout is three years removed from being a viable left tackle in the NFL.
Wells, 34, also came over to the Rams on a lucrative free agent contract. He inked a four-year, $24 million contract with the team prior to the 2012 season. The former Pro Bowler started 35 games in three seasons with St. Louis.
Photo: USA Today