Chris Long says he’s moving on from Patriots
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Defensive end Chris Long announced he won’t be returning to the Patriots after his first season with the team in 2016, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.
Long signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract last year and is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent March 9. He’ll turn 32 this month.
Long appears to be leaving on strong terms with the organization and referred to Bill Belichick as “the GOAT” in his statement on social media. He later tweeted that his playoff snaps mostly occurred on third down, and he was used as an interior rusher. He appears to prefer to play for a team that wishes to use him on the edge.
“Thank you, Pats Nation,” Long wrote in a statement. “As a player you’ve given so much support, I owe you an explanation as to why I’ll be moving on in (free agency), even if it isn’t a big deal.
“This year and this opportunity gave me a ton. I made lifelong friends in a great locker room and became a champion. I’m so thankful that Coach B (the GOAT) took a chance on me and allowed me the opportunity to play a small part in this wonderful year.
“This has zero to do with money, etc. It’s the right move in my heart because I want to get back to being the player I was before. I’m thankful for my role this year, but as a competitor, I’m itching to do what I do best. It was important to say thank you personally. You may not remember me much, but I’ll always remember y’all.”