Latest NFL news probably means the end of David Long Jr. and the Titans
The time has come for the Titans and David Long Jr….
David Long Jr. has been a key piece to the Tennessee Titans defense over the past couple of seasons.
His development has been really impressive, and he is an emotional leader for the unit, alongside players like Kevin Byard and Jeffery Simmons. Unfortunately, his time may be running out in Tennessee.
The Titans may not be able to re-sign the talented linebacker based on the latest NFL news.
The New York Jets signed linebacker Quincy Williams to a three-year, $18 million deal that can reach $21 million with incentives.
A deal like this sets precedent for free-agent deals for linebackers of that caliber across the NFL. Long is probably a tier above Williams so his annual price will likely be above that $6 million per year average.
The Titans could possibly make moves to open up that kind of space, but it seems unlikely. There are more pressing needs on the roster that will take considerable payment from the Titans in terms of cap space. Linebacker will be lower on their totem pole when it comes to "paying the piper."
For Long Jr., it may end his time with the Titans right when it seemed to be at a bit of a peak.
He didn't get many reps in his first season with the team, but his role grew every season thereafter. He's started 21 games for Tennessee over the past two years, totaling 161 total tackles, four interceptions, and eleven tackles for loss.
The Titans will most likely have to find a way to replace his production during this off-season.
