ESPN: Falcons expected to sign OT Jake Long this week

The Falcons are in desperate need for offensive line help, and with Jake Long reportedly healthy, the two seem like a match made in heaven. Two ESPN beat writers expect that match to happen, likely this week.

First came Vaughn McClure, ESPN's Atlanta Falcons reporter.

I expect Jake Long to be a Falcon this week. http://t.co/XZ4i6xIwtk.

— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) September 14, 2015

That sounds like a strong report. ESPN's New York Giants reporter expects the same.

I expect this as well. Giants had Long in for two visits, but sources tell me he’s likely headed to Atlanta. http://t.co/aV3Vch6R8s

— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) September 14, 2015

I will say that Long seems like a questionable fit for Atlanta's new blocking scheme. He has never been a particularly mobile offensive lineman, even when healthy. Let alone the fact that he is barely 10 months removed from his last ACL tear.

Perhaps Long is willing to accept a smaller contract and be the team's swing tackle. He will certainly not replace Jake Matthews in the starting lineup, and moving the younger, healthier, cheaper Ryan Schraeder out of the starting lineup does not make much sense, either.

Vaughn hedges his information a bit, making it sound like Long's agent telling the league they can come and sign the tackle today by outbidding Atlanta.

I expect the Falcons to sign Long to bring more depth to the offensive line -- as long as no other team outbids them.

That is unlikely information directly from the Falcons, and sounds as if Long is willing to accept a cheap contract if no one else will sign him.

Regardless, we should know either way sometime this week.