Offensive lineman Kyle Long made headlines in 2021 by announcing that he would be coming out of retirement. At only 32 years of age with seven seasons under his belt, he was in high demand as nearly every team could use help on the offensive line. He garnered interest from many teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, before ultimately signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs were undoubtedly a good landing spot for the veteran, as he helps to bolster an offensive line that had a poor showing in the Super Bowl. Alongside the newest addition Joe Thuney, the Chiefs line is rebuilt and ready to contend once again. Before that, there were rumors that he could wind up on the Raiders, who had a fire sale on their offensive line during the offseason.
However, Long revealed via Twitter that the Raiders never offered him a contract on their visit, prompting him to take a deal with the Chiefs.
They never offered me a contract I don’t understand the misunderstanding here. Chiefs did so I accepted!!
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) March 29, 2021
In some ways, it makes sense that the Raiders did not give Long an offer. It’s clear by their various trades that they wanted to get younger at those positions. Signing a 32-year old coming out of retirement certainly goes against that plan.
However, on a one-year, cheap contract, it seems like a no-brainer to give a player like Long a chance. This is especially true if the team is unsure who will take over the five starting positions next season.
As it stands, Kolton Miller, Richie Incognito, Andre James, Nick Martin, and Denzelle Good should be the day one starters from left to right. Obviously, plenty can change between now and week 1, but Long certainly has the talent to take either one of the starting spots on the right side.
By August, there should be a better idea of what the Raiders’ plan is. Until then, it’s difficult to guess why Las Vegas would pass on a proven veteran on a cheap contract.
Trent Brown calls Raiders a bad fit
One of the many moves the Raiders made on the offensive line was trading Trent Brown back to the New England Patriots. While he did not have any hard feelings, Brown said that it was a mutually bad fit between him and the Raiders organization.
