The Viking Age
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Vikings free agency 2017: What defensive ends are available?

By Adam Patrick

Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a sack of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a sack of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (not pictured) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (not pictured) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Long

  • 31-years-old
  • 6-foot-4, 275 pounds

2016 stats (in 16 games with the New England Patriots):

  • 35 total tackles, 4 sacks
  • 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble

In his first season out of St. Louis, Long was able to land with the Patriots and be a part of Super Bowl winning franchise in 2016. He was not a driving force on New England’s defense last season, but he still was a contributing factor on a unit that gave up the fewest points per game in the NFL last year.

Long is decent at stopping the run, but his main strengths come out when he is rushing the quarterback. Despite only starting seven games in 2016, he still finished with more quarterback hurries (27) than Khalil Mack, Everson Griffen, Chandler Jones, and Jason Pierre-Paul.

Plus anyone who receives public praise from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick must be doing something right.

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