Jake Long is done for the season and maybe in Miami

With all the problems that the Arizona Cardinals have had this season and in the past, having a guy like Jake Long, who was the number one pick in the 2008 draft and has been a Pro Bowler his first four pro seasons, seemed like nothing but a pipe dream.

However, Long was placed on injured reserve by the Miami Dolphins after suffering a triceps injury and, being that he is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of this season, his future with the Dolphins remains in doubt, which means that the Cards could viably go get themselves a franchise left tackle.

Writes Kevin Nogle from the Phinsider:

However, his future in Miami remains in doubt. Long becomes a free agent after this season, and is expected to look for a contract making him one of the top paid offensive linemen in the league. However, with the down turn in his play, and the repeated injuries lately, including knee, shoulder, and back problems, a torn biceps muscle last year, and now the torn triceps muscle, Long could prove too costly for the Dolphins moving forward.

Currently, the Cardinals will have Levi Brown, Nate Potter and Bobby Massie back next season as tackles. Brown is recovering from a torn triceps of his own, Massie has made huge strides and Potter is showing to be decent so far in pass protection.

As such, knowing that Potter is in no way a sure thing and we have watched Brown for seasons and have seen what he can do, should Arizona kick the tires and see if they can woo Long to the desert?

He has had his share of injuries and, by all accounts from Miami, he has not been the same dominant player.

If it were up to me, I would avoid him. If the team that drafted you is willing to part with you after a year in which you play at a lower level than before and you are inured often, that usually would be a case of "buyer beware."

Yes, I know that Miami drafted Jonathan Martin, probably with the purpose of letting Long go when he sought after a huge contract.

But if it were you, do you go after a guy when you seem to have your tackle core already there?

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