Spencer

Long

Long played for the Bills in 2019 but did not start a game. He was expected to compete for a backup role on the interior of San Francisco’s offensive line.

Long was released from Buffalo this week. The 29-year-old journeyman will compete for a depth role on the interior.

Long carried a cap hit of $3.1 million for Buffalo. Last year was Long’s first season with the Bills after four years in Washington and a one-year stop with the Jets.

Signed off the streets upon being released by the Jets in February, Long proved invaluable mid-season as an interior reserve capable of playing both center and guard positions. He’ll compete for a chance to start in 2020 if Buffalo fails to re-sign impending free agent LG Quinton Spain.

This suggests the Bills are concerned with the injuries to Mitch Morse (concussion) and Russell Bodine (oblique). Jon Feliciano has also been getting some center snaps.

Cut by the Jets just one week ago, Long did not have to wait long on the open market. His one-year stint in New York was a disaster, but Long was at least a serviceable interior lineman during his four seasons in Washington. Considering Buffalo’s issues along the interior, Long will have a good shot to start this season.

Long was due a $3 million roster bonus on Wednesday. The 28-year-old signed a “four-year, $27 million” deal last March. Long was a disaster manning the pivot in 2018 before a late-season switch to left guard, where he also played poorly. The Jets are supposedly interested in bringing him back at a cheaper price.

Fellow CSN Mid-Atlantic writer Tarik El-Bashir disagrees, believing instead Shawn Lauvao (ankle, foot) will earn the starting job. Lauvao did not participate at any point in the offseason program, however, and there are serious questions about his health coming off five surgeries to repair various lower-leg issues. 2015 fourth-rounder Arie Kouandjio could also get a look in training camp.

Long left in the first half with what was reported as a shoulder injury, but he was ruled out in the third quarter with a concussion. Veteran John Sullivan replaced him at center.

Long just wrapped up his third NFL season, and it was his first as the Redskins’ starting center after he manned left guard in 2015. Long made 12 starts at the pivot, receiving plus grades from Pro Football Focus for his pass protection. He has just one year left on his rookie deal.