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Redskins should consider bringing back recently released OL Spencer Long

By Jacob Camenker

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 24: Chris Thompson #25 and Spencer Long #61 of the Washington Redskins celebrate after Thompson scored a touchdown in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 24: Chris Thompson #25 and Spencer Long #61 of the Washington Redskins celebrate after Thompson scored a touchdown in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets released their starting center, and former Washington Redskin, Spencer Long. The Redskins should consider bringing him back as offensive line depth.

Last offseason, the Redskins made the choice to let Spencer Long walk in free agency. The former third-round pick had been the team’s starter at center for two seasons, but with the promising, young Chase Roullier waiting in the wings, the Redskins decided to let Long walk to increase their compensatory pick standing. The decision apparently turned out to be a solid one.

In his first season with the Jets, Long started 13 games but had some issues with the team. Notably, he had trouble snapping the ball at times, and in a Week 9 loss to the Dolphins, he and Sam Darnold couldn’t get on the same page. Long had many errant snaps in that contest to the point that the even the broadcasters suggested they needed to pull him. This issue is likely what caused the Jets to part with him.

Still, this probably came as a mild surprise to some, as Long had inked a four-year, $27 million deal with the Jets. However, it was only guaranteed for 2018, so the team elected to end the experiment early and find a replacement. Now, Long will be a free agent and the Redskins should be interested in bringing him back.

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One of the biggest weaknesses for the Redskins in the last five seasons has been the left guard spot. Shawn Lauvao has been constantly hurt and below-average when healthy, so the team shouldn’t re-sign him this offseason. Additionally, the team could use some depth across the line. Long could fill either option just fine.

Long has seen some time at left guard during his career and has been decent at the position. However, he has been slightly better as a center — minus the recent snapping issues. For the ‘Skins, he would be the perfect candidate to serve as a top backup to Roullier at center and fill in as a spot starter when necessary. At just 28 years old, Long still has plenty left in the tank and could become one of the better offensive line spot starters in the league.

Long may be interested in returning to Washington. He worked well with Bill Callahan and provided that Callahan sticks around (which is still unclear), Long could look to sign a “prove it” deal and improve his value ahead of the 2020 offseason. Of course, he could also do that in a place where he has a chance to start, but nonetheless, he would probably consider a return to Washington.

Along with the Redskins, the Rams and Vikings should be interested as well. Sean McVay coached Long during his time with the ‘Skins, and former Redskins center John Sullivan will turn 34 before the start of the 2019 season. If Sullivan regresses or retires, Long could fill in as the Rams starter.

For the Vikings, Long would be an upgrade at either guard position and would be reunited with signal caller Kirk Cousins who may lobby for Long to shift to center and Pat Elflein to move to guard. Either way, Long will have some suitors, and the ‘Skins will be among them.

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It will be interesting to see if the Redskins try to capitalize on Long’s release. He at least gives them a potential depth option and if they bring him back, they could have a chance to start the offseason on the right foot.

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