The New England Patriots are signing veteran defensive end Chris Long to a one-year deal.

"This is an opportunity and I am so thankful!!!" Long wrote on Twitter. "Whatever it takes!!! See you soon Boston. GO PATS ?"

A former second overall pick, Long has 54 1/2 career sacks with the Rams. Long, 30, had four sacks over the past two seasons. He was cut three years into his four-year, $48.2 million contract extension. Long canceled a visit to the Dallas Cowboys. He met with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. Follow me on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL Aaron Wilson covers the Texans for The Houston Chronicle.