The offensive line free agency pool got deeper on Tuesday.
Former Bears guard Kyle Long announced that he’s making an NFL comeback, according to Macon Gunter, who co-hosts the Green Light Podcast with Long’s brother, Chris.
“He is 315 lbs., healthy, happy, nasty, and shredded, and has signed with Jeff Nalley of Select Sports Group,” the tweet said.
Long, a first-round pick of the 2013 NFL draft, played his entire career in Chicago. He announced his retirement following the 2019 season.
A three-time Pro Bowler from 2013 to 2015, injuries affected Long beyond that, which included a torn labrum and strained triceps, as well as foot, ankle and shoulder pain. He played in just 29 games from 2016 to 2019, failing to play half a season in three of those years.
But when he was on the field, Long was a menace. On 1,536 snaps, Long only blew 33 blocks (2.1%), per Sports Info Solutions.
After taking a year off to recover, Long should interest the Chargers, who are looking to upgrade the offensive line this offseason. Long would be able to fill in at guard, but he has the ability to slide over to right tackle, where he played when he made the Pro Bowl in 2015.
At the end of the day, Long would be a “low-cost, low-risk, high-reward” signing for Los Angeles.
Kyle Long, ladies and gents pic.twitter.com/JKAObi7NVx
— Bears Barroom | Barroom Network (@BearsBarroom) September 10, 2018