Dolphins Low-Balling OT Jake Long In Contract Discussions?

The Dolphins reportedly made a “low-ball” contract offer to offensive tackle Jake Long during the season, according to Armando Salguero.

“He’s one of those guys that likes the idea of being the best at what he does and one way he proves to everyone that he is is by being the highest paid at what he does,” one Dolphins source told Salguero recently. “Yeah, there’s a considerable amount of professional ego there.”

Long dealt with injuries and ineffectiveness this last season, struggling to pick up new blocking schemes while having a tough time staying healthy. There’s some question as to whether or not he’s still an elite offensive tackle in the NFL.

It’s seems safe to suggest that Long will be targeting the best available deal versus taking a discounted offer from the Dolphins. There figures to be a number of solid offensive tackles available on the market, so there’s no guarantee that Long will secure this kind of contract.

We have him listed as the No. 19 best available player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.