Bottom line is Long is good, but not worth his current contract. The writing is on the wall, and he will be gone in 6 months or 18. If he wants to stay he can re-sign at a fair rate, or he can go play with his brother or for the Raiders in Vegas. Would be a good splash in new market get in a Raiders cap for them. Maybe with his bro too.
Daniels and/or Whitehair can already replace his effectiveness. Love him while we got him, no reason not to. The guy plays hurt for us, for respect in his family. That sets an example and he is worth every penny. He should be loved by every Bear fan. In this day and age few guys are willing to play hurt for this game.
He has done it more than once. He fights to stay on the field, has been through hell for damage to his body taken for our enjoyment.
(I am holding out hope that we can retain Long, Fangio, Amos and some of the guys for 2019 if only for 2019...I think that year is a legitimate superbowl window, and despite early signs, that we still miss the playoffs in 2018 and get to build momentum allah 1985 via hard knocks and sensationist publicity with the momentum they are building this year, and attraction of even more free agent help, we should be destination for some "prove it" deals for veterans)