T.J. Lang (70) has started games at three different positions on the offensive line
The Packers agreed to terms on a four-year extension with starting guard T.J. Lang on Monday. The former Eastern Michigan star, who was in the final season of his rookie contract, would’ve been one of the most popular free agents available next March. Instead, he’ll remain in Green Bay through at least 2016.
Starting right guard Josh Sitton signed a $33 million extension last September. Many questioned – and with good reason – whether GM Ted Thompson would be willing to invest huge money in a position he has devalued to some extent in the past, but I always had a gut feeling that something would get done. Thompson rarely lets quality young players walk away and Lang seems to enjoy being a Packer more than most.
This deal assures that Lang, Sitton and right tackle Bryan Bulaga will be together for at least three more years. Left tackle Marshall Newhouse is signed through 2014. No terms were released, but I speculated a few weeks ago that Lang would command at least $5 million per season on the open market.
UPDATE: According to Tom Silverstein, Lang’s four-year extension is worth $20.8 million and includes a $5.5 million bonus. As I predicted weeks ago, that’s almost exactly what Evan Mathis got from the Eagles in March.
@the_champs_belt @csmithapd50 @tjlang70 Hard to imagine TT spending close to $60M on guards, but I just have a gut feeling Lang could stay.
— Michael Rodney (@PackerUpdate) July 18, 2012
This is why I love this blog. Your “hunches” are correct more often than not. Thanks for your work!
Appreciate the kind words. Anyone can tell you what has already happened; I try to tell you what is going to happen. It’s tricky and I’m not always right, but I think it’s what makes this site different.
That’s awesome! Way to go Ted. Now we just need to get Matthews, Raji, Jennings, and Rodgers signed and we’ll be in business for years to come. I wonder if Thompson will take a center in next years 1st round. They ever get Sherrod playing and playing at a 1st round level the Packers will have a hell of a O line!
Is Raji worth re-signing? At what price? I just don’t see much productivity there. Yes, he can hold the point against a double team block but that’s about it. There are a lot of low round draft picks that can do that and more.
Raji was terrific late in the 2010 season. If he plays like that this season, he’ll be signed to a huge extension.