I have nothing against Long, I just don't believe in tying down the money he will command into a left tackle. It's obviously an important position, but in reality I'd rather have an "above average" LT with elite skill position players than have it be the other way. Especially since I have questions about his long term durability.
No way you trade a player like Jake Long. No Way. Even if he's only the player his biggest detractors say he is - he is still nearly irreplaceable. Dansby? Sure. His contract is too much - but I would trade him for anything 3rd or higher.
Devils advocate: What makes him irreplaceable? The offensive line is more of a unit than any other on the field. A single DE can crash in and make a play. A single safety can read a pass and pick it off. A single WR can beat his man and with a good throw, score a TD. On the other hand regardless of how good Jake Long is the success of his unit depends on four other guys doing their job every single play. The money it seems he will command is outrageous for a player that can't on his own create a play. Obviously I use the term "on his own" loosely. No one player can defeat an entire team. However some individual efforts go farther than others.
Long is up man and will be demanding a monster contract. That's what you might not think about. Tough call I know. Don't be surprised if he gets moved sometime.
The value of Jake comes in the numbers game. With Jake able to take one of their best pass rushers 1v1, it gives the rest of our OL a 4v3 advantage against a 4man rush w/o keeping a TE or RB in to help block. Even with a blitzer, it's still 4v4 allowing more players to be out in the passing game giving the defense more people to be accountable for... in turn making you harder to defend. Sure, he never gets the ball in his hands so his impact isn't as direct... but that doesnt mean it's not as impactful... especially in terms of the ability to make it easier for those around him, including the skill players.
