Chris Long is in need of a new home following his release from the Los Angeles Rams. The Green Bay Packers could and should be a potential landing spot.

In a shocking turn of events in St. Louis (Los Angeles) and in an attempt to improve cap conditions, the Rams released some well-established veterans from their roster. One of those players could play a pivotal role in the defense if brought to Green Bay. He is no Reggie White, but Chris Long could help elevate the defensive line in 2015.

The Green Bay Packers already have a guy nick named “White Lightning” so it makes perfect sense to sign the counterpart nicknamed “White Thunder”. The former 2008 second overall pick could spell trouble for offenses while in the Packers defensive front.

Green Bay recently re-signed defensive end Letroy Guion to a three-year deal to help shore up the defensive line. The move could be short-lived with Mike Pennel missing the first four games of the 2016 season due to suspension and B.J. Raji‘s status for next season still up in the air. The Packers could move Guion to the nose tackle position and look for another pass rusher to add at end, more than likely via the draft.

Long is a force to be reckoned with on defense. In his first six NFL seasons, Long (the second overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft) totaled 50.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles – all while not missing any games. The past two seasons have been a different case. Long has had limited time on the field in each of the last two seasons due to injuries.

The limited playing time has hampered Long’s production to just four sacks in the past two years while playing in a total of 18 games over that time. If Long can regain his health he could be an intriguing player in the Packers defensive line.

Injuries and the fact Long will be turning 31 means Green Bay could get Long for a fair price. It is expected that Long will be heavily pursued in free agency and could opt to go somewhere with a more familiar defensive scheme. And you know, money.

A lot of questions surround whether or not Long could make the jump from a 4-3 defense to the Packers 3-4 scheme. Dom Capers could choose to play Long at either outside linebacker or defensive end. In the case that Long has to make the move to outside linebacker, it’s likely he’d share time with veteran Julius Peppers, another former defensive end turned outside linebacker.

Long is an incredible athlete and still has great speed for a defensive end at 30 years of age. His athleticism would translate nicely to outside linebacker and it’s expected that Long would succeed as an upright pass rusher.

The Packers are only a few moves away from being a very complete team and a dangerous contender in the NFC. A move for Long could prove worthy as Green Bay looks to live up to its usual favorite status as a Super Bowl contender.