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The Falcons have signed former first round pick Jake Long in hopes of bolstering their offensive line, and in a corresponding move, they've given rookie Robenson Therezie a major vote of confidence.
#Falcons signed tackle Jake Long today, Released Charles Godfrey
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) September 15, 2015
Long will start at left tackle and swing to right also.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) September 15, 2015
Quinn says he would not expect Long to play Sunday. Wants to get through the week of practice, get him up to speed.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) September 15, 2015
Long, 30, began his career as a borderline elite tackle before injuries and slippage in play robbed him of some of his luster. This offseason, he was floating around as a free agent, trying to prove to NFL teams that he was healthy enough to contribute. The Falcons have clearly determined that's the case, and they've added him to a tackle rotation that features Jake Matthews and Ryan Schraeder as starters, with only Tyler Polumbus, Bryce Harris, and practice squad player Pierce Burton as depth.
I don't know if Long is going to push for a starting job, as some have suggested, but I think he'll step right in as the swing tackle against the Giants in Week 2. If Schraeder scuffles or the team really likes what a healthy Long brings to the table, though, that may not continue forever. We'll see the terms of the deal, which may also clue us in to what the Falcons are up to with this signing.
Godfrey, 29, survived the regime change and hung around as a veteran backup to surprise starter and fan favorite Ricardo Allen, but that didn't last very long. When healthy, Godfrey is a competent safety who can help you in coverage, but the team clearly likes what undrafted free agent Therezie brings to the table, and they're comfortable rolling with him as the fourth safety. We wish Godfrey well, wherever he may land.
Thoughts on today's moves?