The New England Patriots have signed free-agent defensive end Chris Long to a one-year deal, according to media reports.

Long, who turns 31 later this month, is an eight-year NFL veteran who had played his entire career with the St. Louis Rams.

He posted on his Twitter account Tuesday night: “This is an opportunity and I am so thankful!!! Whatever it takes!!! See you soon Boston. GO PATS”

The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Long played in only six games in 2014 and 12 games in 2015 because of injuries. He has 54.5 career sacks, with a career high of 13 in 2011. Long, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long, was the second pick overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.

He will help to replace defensive end Chandler Jones, who was traded by the Patriots to the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday.