Baltimore Ravens Sign Jake Long as Insurance Policy

The Baltimore Ravens have added former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long as an insurance policy to first-round pick Ronnie Stanley.

There has been speculation for some time that the Baltimore Ravens would bring in a veteran tackle to help first-round pick Ronnie Stanley adjust to the NFL. We did not expect it to be someone who once was considered one of the best in the league.

The Baltimore Ravens and free agent tackle Jake Long have agreed to a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

A move for a veteran was expected once the Ravens decided to part ways with Eugene Monroe. Monroe has since decided to retire despite being sought after by other NFL teams.

Long played in four games last season for the Atlanta Falcons, but injuries have taken over his once illustrious career. The 31-year-old has suffered numerous injuries, including two ACL tears that ultimately cost him his job with the St. Louis Rams.

By bringing in the former No. 1 overall choice in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Ravens have an insurance policy that they can use in a variety of ways. Some people around the league feel that Long can get back to his dominant ways if healthy. If that’s the case, he can be the starter this season and Stanley fills the hole at left guard.

If the Ravens feel he cannot be the starter, he does give them a veteran option that could fill in if something where to happen to Stanley or right tackle Ricky Wagner. The team is also hopeful that Long serves as a mentor to Stanley as he protects the blindside of a quarterback coming off his own ACL injury.

The Ravens are taking another chance on a high draft choice, similar to the addition of Trent Richardson. This is a classic low-risk, but potential high reward pickup by Ozzie Newsome.

Next: Ravens Newcomers Arrive at Training Camp

If Long returns to form, this could be the best free agent signing of the summer and it comes just days before veterans report for training camp. If not, what do the Ravens really lose?