Kyle Long feels like a longshot to re-sign with KC Chiefs

Why bring him back?

It is hard to find a reason but let’s be optimistic, shall we?

Veteran presence doesn’t usually pay the bills, but Kanas Cty has a young right side of the offensive line. While they performed well in 2021, having Long could help their progression for 2022.

Entering the season, Long was a projected starter at right guard or tackle, over other options like Lucas Niang and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. That projection continued even after his time on the PUP list, especially with Niang injured. Fans had some expectations for Long, and he could meet those expectations. He is a former Pro Bowl selection at both guard and tackle, something extremely impressive.

Also, if Kansas City brought Long back, it would certainly be on an incentive-laden deal. If he doesn’t meet certain marks, then the Chiefs are not out much financially. If he does, then that means he either returned to impressive form or filled a dire need for the team.

Plus, Long’s performance when healthy was pretty fun to watch. His 6’6″, 315-pound frame jumped off the screen, bullying defenders. His former play alone will see some teams interested in signing Long.

Why let him leave?

Long never saw the field for Kansas City. Not a single snap, all due to more injuries.

Long fractured his tibial plateau during a June workout, landing him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list throughout camp and into the regular season.

“I did everything I could to prepare to get back for football. Zero regrets,” Long said on Twitter after his injury. “I’ve been getting better every day and having so much fun with my new team. Focusing on controlling the things I can control. Yesterday was not one of those things! Thanks for the well wishes.”

The initial hope was he would be ready by the regular season, then that kept being pushed back further and further. He was finally designated to return to practice on Nov. 9, which began a three-week window for the Chiefs to decide whether they would add him to the active roster. The Chiefs eventually added Long to the active roster, despite having more recovery to make. All in all, Long either never recovered enough, or head coach Andy Reid made a judgment call.

Long is a player whose injury history is longer than most. He has more injury-riddled seasons than healthy ones, so why commit time and money to him? While his deal may be heavy on incentives, Long may want more guaranteed money than he is worth now. Any commitment, much less above the minimum salary, could backfire for Kansas City.