Chicago Bear surprise top-pick Kyle Long has inked a four-year deal with the team that assures he will be in training camp on time and competing for playing time along the team’s revamped offensive line.
Though financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, ESPN reported, it also comes with a fifth year option and assures that the team’s entire 2013 draft class is now under contract. The Bears tabbed Long, a 6-feet-7inch, 310 pound guard out of Oregon, with 20th overall pick. The son of former Hall of Fame linemen Howie Long, he is expected to make the switch from left to right guard in the team’s attack.
Long recently participated in the Bears' three-day rookie minicamp, leaving coach’s raving about his athleticism and what they see as his explosive burst off the line. The Bears were even more motivated to get him signed and assured of being in camp on time given an assortment of restrictions he now faces.
ESPN reports he is ineligible to attend any of the club's organized team activities or the mandatory veteran minicamp in June due to Oregon being on the quarter system and holding final exams through June 14.
Long, however, is allowed and expected to remain in contact with coaches via web-based technology.
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