Jake Long once was considered a franchise cornerstone for the Miami Dolphins. Is that still the case?
"Jake has a decision to make, we have a decision to make," Ireland said from the Senior Bowl, via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "It's a very, very difficult decision, complicated negotiation."
Ireland called this offseason difficult because he has players he "once believed in" who might no longer fit in the Dolphins' scheme. He said the roster remains in transition one year after Ireland hired coach Joe Philbin to replace Tony Sparano.
"When you go from Tony Sparano to Joe Philbin, there isn't only a schematic difference, but a personality difference," Ireland said.
Long was an ideal fit for Sparano's scheme, especially when he was playing at a superior level. When asked if Long was still "elite," Ireland would only say, "he can still play in this league for sure." He acknowledged he wouldn't use the e-word during negotiations.
One name to keep in mind during this process is Jonathan Martin, the rookie offensive tackle who filled in admirably after Long landed on injured reserve with a triceps injury. If the Dolphins believe Martin can handle left tackle on a regular basis -- as he did in college at Stanford -- it gives them huge leverage in negotiations.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
