Well, the Bears 1st potential "out" on Longs ridiculous contract is this off-season. They stand to save nearly 7m in cap when they cut him. It's a no brainier. Yet, some here will still be shocked when it happens, I'm sure..
Don't forget that when (usually) an offensive lineman gets to the point where he is overpaid, he will be given the option of getting cut or taking a pay cut. That may be on option in keeping him. I am not saying that it is good or bad, just an option.
As for him looking beat up during preseason, have people forgotten that he had around 7 operations and was recovering from them? Add to the 7 operations, he had more injuries that weren't operated on.
So did he look beat up because he has broken down and is only going to get worse or has he tried to play with multiple injuries, making him look worse than he can be only to get more injuries because he was playing hurt?
If the latter, he may eventually get somewhat healthy and become valuable enough to be worth keeping if he accepts a pay cut. He is only 29 years old (I believe) and that is not even close to old for offensive linemen.