Jake Long was once considered in many circles to be the best left tackle in football. His stock has fallen off dramatically due to myriad injuries and declining performance, and he’s slated to hit a deep free-agent market for offensive tackles this March.
Long’s monetary expectations remain high. Citing people who have spoken to the Dolphins’ front office, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports Long is believed to be seeking “at least $10 million a year” and the Fins are “pessimistic” about their chances of retaining him.
Jackson adds that Long “scoffed” at the Dolphins’ in-season extension offer.
Long turns 28 in May and there are indications his body is breaking down, so we can’t fault him for pursuing every last dollar on his first ever opportunity to test free agency. With the way things have gone for him recently, this could conceivably be Long’s final substantial pay day the NFL.
He’s just probably not going to get it from the Dolphins.