Long denies talking to Jets about ending retirement
Three-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long denied a rumor Friday that the New York Jets have spoken to him about coming out of retirement.
The report came from the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta. When asked if there was any truth to it, Long told Rick Tarsitano of WGN TV News, "No. None."
Long walked away from the NFL in January, citing injury struggles, after a seven-year career with the Chicago Bears. The Bears declined his contract option for 2020 after he announced his retirement, making him a free agent.
Last year, the Jets lured center Ryan Kalil out of retirement. He went on to start seven games in an injury-plagued season.
The Jets prioritized offensive line upgrades after struggling up front in 2019 and are already projected to have three new starters in 2020.
Jets' O-line
| LT | LG | C | RG | RT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019* | Kelvin Beachum | Alex Lewis | Jonotthan Harrison | Brian Winters | Brandon Shell |
| 2020 | Mekhi Becton | Alex Lewis | Connor McGovern | Brian Winters | George Fant |
*Based on most games started
Long, 31, played in only four games last year because of a hip injury. He's spent time on injured reserve in every season since 2016.
The Jets still have over $24 million in space under the salary cap, but the team is reportedly operating on a smaller budget imposed by ownership.