Patriots sign DE Chris Long

The New England Patriots have signed defensive end Chris Long.

The New England Patriots have signed defensive end Chris Long, he announced on Twitter on Tuesday.

Long signed a one-year deal with the team, reports ESPN’s Trey Wingo.

The Patriots had an opening at defensive end after trading Chandler Jones to the Cardinals for Jonathan Cooper and a draft pick earlier Tuesday. Long, a former No. 2 overall pick, was released by the Rams before the start of the new league year in March.

Long has played in only 18 games combined for the Rams the last two seasons, recording four sacks over two years. From 2010–13, Long had at least 8 1/2 sacks each season.

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The pass rusher turns 31 later this month, and will be entering his ninth season with New England. In his career, Long has played 114 games, recording 246 tackles, 54 1/2 sacks and eight forced fumbles.