After suffering multiple injuries from 2016 to 2020, Macon Gunter announced via Twitter that Kyle Long, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman, will be returning to the NFL. His tweet was then confirmed by Kyle Long’s brother, Chris Long, that the tweet was true. Gunter also stated that Long is “315 lbs” and he is “healthy, happy, nasty, and shredded.”
Three-time Pro Bowl OL Kyle Long is returning to the NFL. He is 315 lbs., healthy, happy, nasty, and shredded, and has signed with Jeff Nalley of Select Sports Group.
— Macon (@MaconPlays) March 9, 2021
Kyle Long earned himself a spot in the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2013 and 2014 as a right guard and then in 2015 as a right tackle. He has struggled with injuries as he has only played a 16 game season twice over his seven-year career. The last time he played 16 games was 2015, his last Pro Bowl season.
Long announced his retirement following the 2019 season, but he was released by the Chicago Bears as well. He is an unrestricted free agent and he likely won’t return to the Bears given his multiple tweets since his retirement that indicated he would not like a return under Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace given they were the ones that released him.
On the other hand, Kyle Long has stated previously he wants to be a Chicago Bear for life. He additionally always talks about his love for the Bears even now and has hinted multiple times that the Bears will make a splash this offseason at quarterback. Perhaps he could come back on a cheap deal with the shot of winning a Super Bowl?
Kyle Long loves the Chicago Bears, but not the current coaching staff
Sounds like that won’t be the case though as Kyle Long hopped on the Red Line Radio with Barstool Sports and said that he “unfortunately can’t put his pride aside and go back to a coaching staff that let me go.” He did say though that he would sign with the Bears for “significantly less than you think.”
Way to go @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/7wMbyyicEl
— Red Line Radio (@RedLineRadio) March 9, 2021
It shouldn’t be hard for Kyle Long to find a home given his talent. He’s a high-end offensive guard and tackle that took a season off to fully recover from his multiple injuries. He would be cheap as well given his recent injury history. The Bears could use him as well at right tackle to replace Bobby Massie or at right guard and move James Daniels to center.