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Former Redskins center Spencer Long signs with the Bills

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 10: Kicker Dustin Hopkins #3 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with teammate guard Spencer Long #61 after kicking a first quarter field goal against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at FedExField on January 10, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 10: Kicker Dustin Hopkins #3 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with teammate guard Spencer Long #61 after kicking a first quarter field goal against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at FedExField on January 10, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Spencer Long was cut by the New York Jets earlier in the offseason. The former Washington Redskins center is joining the Buffalo Bills.

After the Jets cut Spencer Long, there were some that were hoping the Redskins would target them. Their former starting left guard/center had left for the Jets in the 2018 offseason. After his departure, the Redskins saw their line struggle to stay healthy and lack depth. When Long was released, many made the natural connection that the ‘Skins could bring him back and have him compete for the team’s left guard job.

Alas, that has not happened.

Per ESPN’s Mike Rodak, the Bills signed Long to a three-year deal. Buffalo needs a lot of help on their offensive line, and Long could end up starting at center or guard for the team. Either way, he will give them a much-needed upgrade.

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As for Washington, they reportedly didn’t even reach out to Long’s agent. On the surface, that may seem strange and could be viewed as a mistake. But, at the same time, there could be a reason they chose not to bring him back.

Long was a solid starter for the Redskins last during his career, but he had injury issues at times. Of course, the same can be said for almost all of their offensive linemen, but Long’s injury issues continued with the Jets. So, that was definitely a concern.

Also, Long struggled last season as a center and had one game where he basically couldn’t snap the ball properly. Long eventually moved back to left guard after his issues, and that’s probably his best spot moving forward.

While Washington has a hole at guard, they may think they can find a better replacement than Long. It’s possible that they view Long as more of a top interior backup at this point in time. So, if they felt the price wasn’t right on him, they could have chosen to go in another direction. And considering that the Redskins weren’t willing to give him starter money last offseason, it’s unlikely they would give him that after he had a poor year with another team.

It’s unclear what the Bills paid him, but it doesn’t matter. The Redskins moved on from Long in 2018. They didn’t want to bring him back.

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The Redskins could be looking for more of a long-term solution at the position and may invest an early pick in a left guard. There will be plenty of Day 2 options the team can target in the draft, and they may even consider a guy like Cody Ford if they hold onto the 15th pick. Either way, a reunion with Long isn’t in the cards.

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