Offensive lineman Kyle Long joined the Kansas City Chiefs with some fanfare as a high-value depth piece.
The Chiefs were fresh off the Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where a patchwork offensive line cost Kansas City the game. Watching franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes scramble for most of the game caused general manager Brett Veach to act. Following the loss, Veach completely revamped the offensive line, adding Orlando Brown Jr. and Joe Thuney, plus drafting Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.
Kansas City made all the moves to have five new starters on the offensive line. But, Veach wanted some insurance. After all, that lack of insurance reared its head during the Super Bowl loss. One part of that insurance plan was signing Long.
A 2013 first-round selection, Long played his first seven seasons with the Chicago Bears. The Bears saw an immediate return on their investment, as Long made the Pro Bowl his first three seasons. Long was a stalwart for Chicago, playing in 100% of the team’s offensive snaps. However, the wheels quickly fell off.
Without seeing the field once, Kyle Long’s time in Kansas City has come and gone. Will the Chiefs try and retain the veteran?
In 2016, Long suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder, strained triceps, and a right ankle injury that required surgery. The following year, Chicago placed Long o the injured reserve after 10 games, due to several injuries and his shoulder. 2018 saw Long miss time due to a mid-season foot injury, only playing four games that season. 2019 was no better, with a hip injury landing Long on injured reserve again.
The injuries were so bad that long announced his retirement in 2020. Whether it was just for time to recover or he wanted to step away, Long stayed off any rosters in 2020. But, Veach lured him back with a one-year deal worth upwards of $5 million. “He’s in great shape, a three-time Pro Bowler, and a really smart player with an incredible football pedigree. We’re happy he chose to come here to Kansas City,” Veach said after the signing.
Fans thought that Long was the cherry on top of the offensive line rebuild. A former Pro Bowler as a depth player is a good luxury to have. But, Long’s time in Kansas City turned into anything but.
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.
Amidst the mania everyone forgot Kyle Long is BACK #Man pic.twitter.com/x8OmilArgr
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) September 10, 2018
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.
Recommendation
In sports, there are times one’s body will not keep up with one’s spirit. Kyle Long is a great example of this.
Chicago fans loved Long, despite his constant lack of availability. His on-field performance was stellar, plus he defended the team and players even when injured. Despite his spirit and drive, Long’s body has betrayed him and sabotaged his professional career.
Long seems like a good person. In a world where digging for dirt is considered journalism, Long’s only scandal was due to a Chicago teammate. He has some passions in life and was not bad as a studio football analyst.
It is not only time for Kansas City and Long to part ways, it is time for Long to move on from football. If he chooses to continue elsewhere, more power to him but, Long will be a player with untapped potential, blocked off by his injuries.
Prediction
Long leaves Kansas City on good terms.