The Ravens wanted to sign tackle Jake Long in July. The deal fell apart when he refused to sign an injury waiver.
Long insisted at the time that his knee is fine.
The Vikings have now pulled the trigger on the first overall pick in the 2008 draft. It’s currently unknown whether he signed an injury waiver, or whether the Vikings have concerns about the knee.
Still, the league at large continues to have questions about Long’s ability to stay healthy. Given the intense need the Vikings have at the tackle position, it’s entirely possible that the Vikings opted to roll the dice because they lack other viable options.