Patriots Sign Free Agent DE Long

After parting ways with former first round pick and defensive line stalwart Chandler Jones in a blockbuster deal this afternoon, it appears the New England Patriots have already started to piece together the puzzle that is filling the void created by the 26-year-old's departure.

While the team has more than capable in house options Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard as potential starters at the ends for next season, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Pats are bringing in veteran former number two overall pick Chris Long in on a one-year deal to help replace Jones.

As it was reported yesterday, Long spent time in New England Monday and reports had surfaced that after a couple more days he would be set to pick a landing spot.

It appears that the former Ram, who has never played in the postseason, decided to go to a club that had a strong shot at offering that to the eight-year pro.

Jones has dealt with injuries over the past two season and has been limited to just 18 games since the start of 2014. Prior to that, however, the 30-year-old had played in every game each of his first six seasons.

All in all, Long has recorded 194 tackles and 54.5 sacks in 114 games in the league.

His addition should slot him to fill Jones' role in a three man rotation at end that includes Sheard and Ninkovich.