The Kansas City Chiefs could be getting a head-start on free agency, bringing in a player for a visit who recently came out of retirement to return to the NFL.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long is set to visit both the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. Long is scheduled to visit the Raiders first, followed by a visit to the Chiefs. Since Long is a street free agent, he’s allowed to visit teams ahead of the start of the 2021 free agency period.
A three-time Pro Bowler with the Bears, Long last played in 2019 for a few weeks before being placed on injured reserve with a hip injury. Ahead of the 2020 season, Long announced that he was stepping away from the game to focus on his body. Recently, it was announced that Long was healthy, in great shape and would be pursuing a return to the NFL.
Three-time Pro Bowl G Kyle Long, who is coming out of retirement, is scheduled to visit Monday with the Las Vegas Raiders, per source. Long is scheduled to visit KC next. Long's father, Howie, had a Hall-of-Fame career for Raiders and another Long now in play for the franchise.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
Long entered the league in the first round of 2013 NFL draft, starting a total of 76 games across seven seasons with the Bears. Most of those snaps came at the right guard position, but he did play right tackle for a season. Long hasn’t played a full season since 2015, so there’s obviously durability concerns. In 2018, Long played just 511 snaps, allowing just two sacks and 10 total pressures according to Pro Football Focus. Assuming that he’s healthy and reinvigorated, he could certainly be a worthy addition to any offensive line.
The Raiders have an advantage, getting Long into the building first with a visit taking place on Monday. There are also familial ties, as Long’s father, Howie Long, made the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Raiders. Hopefully, Long will make it out of Las Vegas and the Chiefs will at least have an opportunity to sell him on joining the team.
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