The Packers Should Absolutely Pursue TJ Lang if he is Released
In my last article I discussed ways in which the Packers could improve the right side of their offensive line, and with all reports indicating that Brian Gutekunst plans on being active in free agent discussions this offseason, there could be a very simple solution to fix the right side of the Packers offensive line.
Rumors have surfaced that the Lions maybe planning on parting ways with their pro bowl caliber starting right guard, T.J Lang, who is in the final year of his contract. According to spotrac, Lang carries a cap hit of just over $11.5 million in 2019 and has a low dead cap number of just over $2.6 million, so the Lions could receive some significant salary cap relief by parting ways with him.
At 31 years old, T.J Lang still has plenty of football left to play and a reunion with the Packers could serve as a welcome sight for an offensive line that struggled at times in 2018. Last season, Lang owned a pro football focus grade of 72.0 but excelled in pass blocking, carrying a grade of 86.5.
Lang bringing back his years of experience playing alongside Aaron Rodgers, along with his consistency and stability in pass protection fits just what the Packers need to stabilize their offensive line. T.J Lang's familiarity with Rodgers will be a welcomed addition to the Packers offensive line because he will automatically fill the revolving door at right guard that the Packers have not been able to fill since he departed for Detroit. Reuniting Lang with longtime running mate Brian Bulaga will help to provide some much-needed cohesion to the right side which will instantly turn the Packers offensive line into a formidable unit again.
Signing T.J Lang would additionally impact the Packers entire 53 man roster in 2019 because they could address the right tackle position in the middle rounds of this year's draft, or wait until next season to draft a tackle. Signing Lang could also have the Packers take a look into the possibility of giving Brian Bulaga a short term, team friendly contract extension.
These two roster moves would instantly shift the Packers direction heading into this April's draft as they would now be able to look to select the best available player with each of their first three picks inside of the top 45 selections. If I was Brian Gutekunst, I would make it a priority to sign T.J Lang to a team friendly, multi-year contract and then set my sights on landing a combination of free agent edge rushers and safeties.
Sound Off:
I want to hear what your take is on potentially bringing back T.J Lang to Green Bay. Should the Packers refrain from signing a right guard north of age 30, or would T.J Lang solve the Packers problems on the right side of their offensive line? I look forward to the discussion!
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David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave
Comments (107)
Since'61
March 02, 2019 at 11:25 am
Lang would be a solid addition, especially if we can renegotiate his 2019 contract. He would solidify the right side of the OL while a drafted OL is developed behind him.
Sign Lang, draft Risner and another OL for depth and we’re good to go. Thanks, Since ‘61
stockholder
March 02, 2019 at 11:29 am
No.
sonomaca
March 03, 2019 at 06:33 am
The right side is going to be Bulaga and Lang? As soon as those guys are gone, Rodgers will again be running for his life. What a mess!
TheVOR
March 03, 2019 at 08:42 am
Let me say normally I would be right there with you at NO! The only disclaimer here is what he could be had for, and what his injury/injury history looks like. Well, OK, it looks like this - TJ lang has appeared in 86% of his possible starts through his career. Unfortunately for Lang who will probably be released, is that in 2 years with the detroit Lions he's appeared in only 59% of his starts in Detroit. He's going into his 11th year. The risk is Obvious. If you look at just th Packers part of his career, he appeared in 92% of his starts. Unfortunately over the last 3 years, including his final season in GB, he's appeared in 67% of his games.. Its not hard to look at this logic and say "this mans body is in decline, period.
Because I prize availability in the NFL, and because I believe the future is in the hands of drafting well at OL, I'd be inclined to say no. However, lets suppose all 32 teams look at the snapshot I just did. His career could be over, OR... He could take very little money to continue playing, maybe ever be that strong backup position player, awesome depth player? If he's at that juncture of his career? Then you look hard at this.
Simple question, who would you rather come off the bench, TJ lang, or Justin McCray? That answer becomes obvious, and if you said to yourself McCray, then go see your eye doctor, quickly..
So I'm with NO on this.... Unless....
Since'61
March 03, 2019 at 09:32 am
TheVor - that is exactly the point! If a player like Lang can be signed for the right price who would you rather have playing RG, McCray, Bell or Lang?
I would choose Lang. Preferably we would have drafted another player as the starter but Lang could be a solid backup compared with what we have had for the last few seasons. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
March 02, 2019 at 11:49 am
What? He is being released because he can’t stay on the field!
Even if he still has it when fit, which is not clear, we don’t need another “starter” clogging up the physio room on game day.
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 07:55 am
Packers have a lot of players who cant stay on field.
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 07:55 am
Packers have a lot of players who cant stay on field.
fthisJack
March 02, 2019 at 12:51 pm
no way....beating a dead horse. get younger.
Hawg Hanner
March 02, 2019 at 01:03 pm
Would love to have Lang back. He has to an improvement over Bell. All the depth at guard aside from Lane Taylor is not that good. Have to really turn over the roster there and Lang is a good start.
jannesbjornson
March 02, 2019 at 01:07 pm
Get a guard in the draft. A lot of talent there. Will Lang last over 5-6 games?
He has a history now of concussions and back problems.
Skip greenBayless
March 02, 2019 at 01:25 pm
Since 61', how much of Granny's "tonic" have you been drinking?
Dash
Since'61
March 03, 2019 at 09:41 am
Actually Dash, when I wrote my post I was drinking Singapore Slings at the Ritz Carlton in Singapore. However, I always stop after two. I am a light weight when it comes to alcohol. Moving on to Hong Kong.
Thanks, Since '61
Minniman
March 03, 2019 at 01:54 pm
Next time you are there Since 61', if time permits, Raffles is THE place for Singapore Slings.
Since'61
March 03, 2019 at 07:23 pm
I agree Minniman. I've been to Raffles on previous trips before but I couldn't get there on this trip. Thanks, Since '61
GBPDAN1
March 02, 2019 at 01:48 pm
He had a 72 overall grade, but an 86.5 pass blocking grade. That means he must have had a very low run blocking grade and MLF wants to run the ball more.......
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 07:58 am
Packers then would need to bring in a stable of RBs, cause Psckershave slot of RBs in the tub to join the others.
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 07:58 am
Packers then would need to bring in a stable of RBs, cause Psckershave slot of RBs in the tub to join the others.
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 08:10 am
Packers then would need to bring in a stable of RBs, cause Psckershave slot of RBs in the tub to join the others.
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 08:10 am
Packers then would need to bring in a stable of RBs, cause Psckershave slot of RBs in the tub to join the others.
JonathanSpader
March 03, 2019 at 05:27 pm
Jerry Hansen check your internet connection.
Jerry Hansen check your internet connection.
Jerry Hansen check your internet connection.
Jerry Hansen check your internet connection.
Minniman
March 03, 2019 at 02:30 am
Lang returning back to the Packers would probably be predicated on so many IF's that it would be virtually impossible - I believe that FA and the draft would have to go quite poorly for the Packers to have to take that route for anything other than a low cost veteran depth piece (no disrespect to TJ Lang as he was a great Packer, but eyes on the future).
msnpackfan
March 02, 2019 at 11:41 am
There would be no need to "renegotiate" Lang's contract as he would be a free agent if the Lions release him. Could be a good short term fix (2/3 year) for the right money with little or no guaranteed up front costs. Sign him and make him earn a roster spot.
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 08:00 am
Still would need to keep Bell. and draft atleast 2 OL.
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 08:00 am
Still would need to keep Bell. and draft atleast 2 OL.
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 08:10 am
Still would need to keep Bell. and draft atleast 2 OL.
Guam
March 02, 2019 at 11:46 am
If they could get him for $8 million a year or less on a 2-3 year deal, I would be thrilled. Right guard problem solved for a responsible price.
Leatherhead
March 02, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Unbelievable. We want to throw Perry away because he's only available for 2/3 of the games, but Lang....who played in 13, 13, and 6 games (that means he missed 16 games over the last three seasons.....or 2/3 availability....is worth $8 million??????
Lang has a bad neck. I don't think I have to tell you that's not a good thing for a football player.
I think there are many better, more economical ways to improve our situation at guard than to spend big FA money on an old (32), injured guy.
NitschkeFan
March 02, 2019 at 12:24 pm
I think people are confused by their memory of TJ from 4 or 5 years ago.
He is nearly done. At best he could be a depth piece on a vet minimum salary. No way they should be spending significant cap dollars on an old, injury prone lineman, likely facing a steep decline in the next season or two.
TKWorldWide
March 03, 2019 at 12:24 am
He does provide name recognition; gotta give him that.
Skip greenBayless
March 02, 2019 at 01:27 pm
I'm telling you Old School, you need to start charging for your services here.
Dash
Leatherhead
March 02, 2019 at 06:35 pm
Thank you. I have a Paypal account.
Truly.....fun is better than money.
NickPerry
March 03, 2019 at 06:49 am
People want to "Throw Perry Away" because he's injured all the damn time, doesn't produce when on the field, and at NO POINT has earned a dime of that horrible contract Thompson gave him. At least TJ Lang provided value and excellent play for the Packers for MULTIPLE seasons. Perry should have been shown the door after his 4th season but due to the horrible drafting of Thompson the Packers felt they had no choice. Gimmie a break on this "Throwing Perry away"... He even thinks the Packers might cut him he's sucked so bad!
Depending on the contract adding Lang might not be a bad idea and he just may come back for LESS to play in GB again. He tried to stay in GB before but Ball and Thompson lowballed the crap out of him AND only offered one year IIRC. Just checking into adding Lang and what it would take would actually be a smart move depending how everything else shakes out.
Leatherhead
March 03, 2019 at 11:24 am
He has about 0.5 sacks per game. Not a lot of OLBs produce more.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Upon Further Review.....I want to give you a better answer than that, Nick Perry (the poster, not the player), because I think you AND the player both deserve it.
The comment about "always injured" is just hyperbole to make your point seem stronger without actually making it stronger. He's available about 2/3 of the time. That's comparable to Kenny King and Aaron Jones, among others.
Do you have any idea of what the average availability edge rushers is? Out of the HUNDREDS of DEs and OLBs who've played the position since he came into the league, he's ranked 71st in games with 81 games out of a possible 112. If you like percentages, that's a 72 PERCENT AVAILABILITY.
Some reference points. Clay Matthews ranks 36th with 97 games over the same period of time. Frank Zombo is 40th.
And this list includes DEs and OLBS so a lot of guys who NEVER play OLB, like Muhammad Wilkerson and Mike Daniels (27th), are on the list. You can draw your own conclusions, but to me that indicates that he lines up at OLB a lot more than other people over the same period of time. Big picture? 72% availability for an OLB over the course of 112 games is pretty good.
I hope this puts an end to the "always hurt" stuff. This is the NFL and people get hurt. Sometimes you can play through it, and sometimes you can't.
The "Doesn't Produce" argument doesn't really hold up under even cursory examination. Of all the hundreds of these guys, he ranks 47th. If you deduct the 10 guys who aren't active anymore it moves him to 37th. If you remove the people who are strictly DEs, like JJ Watt, it's even higher.
When he's on the field, he's more productive than most edge players. He gets almost a half a sack per game and that's pretty good. JJ Watt is the only player that gets almost one sack per game. Khalil Mack gets almost 3/4 of a sack per game. Julius Peppers about 2/3. Clay Matthews is around .555 sacks/game Dee Ford is .455 sacks/game.
He's not one of the top guys in the league, but he's still more productive than at least half the guys at that position.
So....if you're unhappy with his contract/cost to the team, that's fine. We can certainly talk about that. But this "Always hurt and doesn't produce/sucks " stuff is just nonsense, IMO.
Guam
March 03, 2019 at 08:10 am
Did not know Lang had that much injury history in Detroit - my bad. Scratch the idea of adding Lang.
The Marathon Man
March 03, 2019 at 08:36 am
If Gute signed Lang for more than $3M and 1 year, he should lose his job. Draft Jonah Williams (bad combine should make him available at 30) for RT and slide Bulaga inside.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 02, 2019 at 12:18 pm
I loved Lang as a Packer but would be against this signing due to salary, the number of concussions he has had, age come this fall at 32, and does he even fit LF's offensive lineman requirements for the outside zone blocking? I would say no!
There are other cheaper options in FA who are younger, status of Madison, and the fact the Pack has the draft capital to pick up several OL.
JonathanSpader
March 02, 2019 at 11:47 am
Lang is dealing with a neck injury that caused him to sit out 10 games during the 2019 season. It is unclear if he will play Week 1. (Updated February 27, 2019)
The Packers are very cautious with neck injuries. Hard to say if TJ Lang would clear the medical check for GB. Josh Sitton's status in Miama is in doubt the same as Lang. Would Packer fans be interested in seeing him return? He suffered a torn rotator cuff in 2018.
Both players were cut due to injury concerns and with hindsight we can see those concerns were very real. As always it comes down to the almighty dollar. For the right price either player would be great to have in GB. I think they'll cost more than they are worth at this point in their careers. Especially with their injury concerns.
Rak43
March 02, 2019 at 04:33 pm
Hey JS! On a side note D.K. Metcalf is blowing the doors off the combine and making himself a ton of money while he's at it. The Ole Miss WR is 6'4 225lbs and ran a 4.33 at the combine, but that's not all he posted 27 reps on the bench press and had a 40.5 in vertical and had an 11.2 broad jump. I haven't seen his shuttle times yet but at his size those 4 numbers I have seen will push him into the top 10 most likely maybe even top 5. Comparing his numbers at the combine to Julio Jones the kid is bigger, faster, stronger, and more explosive than Jones.
JonathanSpader
March 02, 2019 at 04:59 pm
Noah Fant is doing the same for the TE position. 4.5 40 time and 6.81-second 3-cone drill.
Saw a side by side comparison between DK and JJ it's crazy.
Rak43
March 02, 2019 at 04:38 pm
D.K. Metcalf could climb into the top 5 and it looks like Kyler Murray barring disaster on his pro day will be the top overall pick. That is fantastic news for the Packers possibly pushing two players the team may want further back down in the draft. I don't believe pre combine Metcalf and Murray were consensus first half the draft prospects.
JonathanSpader
March 02, 2019 at 05:00 pm
I think Murray will be overdrafted. Haskins more than likely will be as well. Should push some high end prospects back to the Packers.
MarkinMadison
March 02, 2019 at 05:41 pm
I know everyone is in love with Hockenson right now, but I just got a feeling about Fant.
Bure9620
March 02, 2019 at 08:38 pm
Yes, Fant has been freaksish and his film shows it. BiG defenses were sigficantly more concerned with Fant than Hockenson.
MarkinMadison
March 03, 2019 at 05:31 am
This is the point. A film evaluation has to look not just at what each was doing individually, but what the defenses were trying to do to stop Fant, who was the known quantity in 2018 for an offense that otherwise had no one who intimidated opposing defenses.
sonomaca
March 03, 2019 at 06:29 am
The greatest combine workout warrior of all-time. Problem is, doesn’t have a clue about playing wide receiver. This guy won’t be ready for 3 years.
JonathanSpader
March 03, 2019 at 06:36 am
Man high ceiling guys hate those kind of prospects....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jerry Hansen
March 03, 2019 at 08:07 am
I will take solid production over a combine. All of the people at the combine are great athletes or they wouldn't be there.
Mike Wendlandt
March 03, 2019 at 02:01 pm
Sitton was not cut because of injuries. He was cut because he was causing problems in the locker room due to Thompson approaching Bakhtiari and Bulaga for contracts over him. He was outspoken about it and the team worried that he would rub off on guys like Bakhtiari, leading to more locker room problems. They were cutting out an infection before it spread.
Marcelo Mendes Lima
March 02, 2019 at 11:52 am
No. He does not fit the mold to run an outside zonerun
Lare
March 02, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Exactly. They should be evaluating offensive linemen on how they can perform in the new blocking scheme, not on how well they get along with Aaron Rodgers.
Cheesey51
March 02, 2019 at 12:24 pm
no freakin' way! i like TJ and was sorry to see him leave.Matt LaFleur is running the ball. TJ going to be able to do lead run blocking? Educate me on his skill running skills
Koostyroosty
March 02, 2019 at 12:27 pm
one concussion away from being finished. No thanks.
Coldworld
March 03, 2019 at 02:05 pm
There was some suggestion that Lang might choose not to risk playing again after his neck injury. Has that been contradicted by TJ?
CheesyTex
March 02, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Thanks to TJ for a great set of years in Green Bay.
Wish him well, good health, and hope he retires before a debilitating injury.
CAG123
March 02, 2019 at 01:00 pm
Can we stop please no more old retreads no Jared Cook (his 2016 season was a bust), no TJ Lang, no Morgan Burnett, and no Josh Sitton these guys were great for GB but its time to move forward the last thing the Packers need is more broken down, injury prone players especially those on the wrong side of 30. Its crazy to see articles suggesting some of these players be brought back too many people stuck in nostalgia.
AgrippaLII
March 02, 2019 at 01:14 pm
Have you lost your mind? TJ will always be one of my favorite players of the AR era in Green Bay...but he should have retired when the Packers let him go.
JonathanSpader
March 02, 2019 at 03:15 pm
GB didn't let him go. They offered him a contract same as Seattle & Detroit. Detroit was the highest bidder and Lang made a ton of money signing with them. Worked out for GB and Lang not so well for Detroit.
Slim11
March 02, 2019 at 02:30 pm
At best, Lang would be a depth signing for vet-minimum contract. He was good but his health is too big a concern for anything above the vet's minimum.
MikeS
March 02, 2019 at 03:24 pm
Thank him for his years of service, but it's time to move on. Health issues are a concern.
Ryan3468
March 02, 2019 at 03:38 pm
He is old, and he can’t run block. Losing Sitton who was a cancer, and TJ who couldn’t stay healthy with out replacing the talent lost shows brutally the last few years. Our offensive line is a huge problem beyond Center, and Left Tackle. Offense is scripted to win games. It’s the day and age to possess the ball, and score some touchdowns. Can’t do that if your quarterback is getting shredded, and your running backs have no where to go. We need youth.
Tundraboy
March 02, 2019 at 08:43 pm
I wouldn't say that Sitton was a cancer. He just was fed up with MM. If that's considered one I'll take more of them.
Coldworld
March 02, 2019 at 09:54 pm
With members of his team I thought. Where did you get your info?
egbertsouse
March 02, 2019 at 03:40 pm
No dinosaurs. Get younger, not older.
holmesmd
March 02, 2019 at 04:14 pm
King is our most talented CB. He needs 12 pounds of muscle and a healthy season and he’s an all pro. He needs to be gone after 2 seasons?! That’s ridiculous.
Demon
March 02, 2019 at 03:43 pm
Im hoping to be rid of green bays fragile 5 not add to it. Montgomery=gone Cobb = gone Matthews =gone Perry= gone King needs to be gone.
How are we going to change the culture in Green Bay if we dont rid ourselves of guys who are only collecting a paycheck?
Skip greenBayless
March 02, 2019 at 04:17 pm
When I read an article like this involving bringing back a dinosaur in T.J Lang to play right guard because we don't have that position solidified I'd like to kick this Cole Madison in the ass and tell him to get his ass moving again. Life is hard. You had a damn year to get your head straight. Either shit or get off the pot. He probably should be THE guy at right guard this season instead we are talking about T.J. effing Lang who will be run blocking in a wheel chair. Unbelievable. Cole if you are reading this, get your ass back to Green Bay ASAP or retire!!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 02, 2019 at 05:11 pm
Dash,
Now I can wholeheartedly agree with this post of yours!
MarkinMadison
March 03, 2019 at 05:40 am
Life is bigger than football. He was a 5th round pick. Declaring him to be "THE guy" without ever seeing him in an NFL practice is a bit silly. I'm sure no one at Lombardi Ave. is building any plans around Cole Madison right now. If he shows up, and he's in shape and ready to go, that is a bonus. If he never comes back, that's his choice. Lord knows there are tons of guys who were drafted in the 5th round who never played a down in the NFL for a ton of different reasons. None of us have the first clue about who Cole Madison is or what he wants.
jeremyjjbrown
March 03, 2019 at 06:16 am
" None of us have the first clue about who Cole Madison is or what he wants."
Indeed, nor does any of us have the right to ddcide what his career should be. If he doesn't want to play then he doesn't have to. It's supposed to be a free country.
Skip greenBayless
March 03, 2019 at 12:21 pm
"None of us have the first clue about who Cole Madison is or what he wants."
Don't you think it's about effin time the Packers find out? If every player with a boo boo or traumatic event did what Cole did we wouldn't have a team to watch. Cole I am afraid is setting a bad precedent for the future if he's allowed to carry on like this and still get paid. By next season we'll have 20 players claiming PTSD. In two years we'll have 60. This will grow if the Packers don't put a stop to this RIGHT NOW. In fact I predict it will get so bad that in three to five years we'll see players like Cole on the field during a live game with emotional support dogs and the NFL will allow it. Do not doubt me.
Dash
Donster
March 04, 2019 at 07:33 am
Dash, maybe the Packers already know all they need to know about Cole Madison. He may have already gave them the word he is done with football.
I'd like to see him report and give it a try. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink though. If his heart isn't in it, he shouldn't try.
JonathanSpader
March 02, 2019 at 04:43 pm
Why are Packer fans obsessing over GB running the ball more with MLF? In 2018 MLF had an injured Mariota, Henry a power back, and Dion Lewis an explosive scat back. His WR options were Corey Davis who wasn't good and a bunch of unknowns.
In 2019 he will have Aaron Rodgers as QB. Davante Adam's as a top 10 WR in the NFL. MVS, ESB, Moore, and probably Kumero & Allison. At TE you have another WR who lines up at TE in Graham.
At RB you have Jones and Williams. The Packers.could "run more" the bar has been set incredibly low for that. That doesn't make the Packers a running team. MLF gets the ball to his RBs on shirt passes in space. I fully expect the Packers to still prioritize pass blocking over run blocking OL. FA & the draft will fill in a lot of the blanks. I just don't think we can know what MLF will do as a HC in GB.
MarkinMadison
March 02, 2019 at 05:45 pm
Probably the MLF quote from earlier this week where he talked about running the ball more to take pressure off of #12. Or something like that. Anyway, Montgomery from Iowa State would really bring some sizzle to the position for the Packers, but I wouldn't draft him on day 1.
jannesbjornson
March 03, 2019 at 04:06 pm
Get the run rate closer to 40-45% of the plays called. You need the Qb under center to execute the play fakes and counter motions. I'm pushing for Bennie Snell as a power back.
Wilment
March 02, 2019 at 05:55 pm
Resign Lang? As a backup league minimum deal maybe. if he could be counted on as a starter to keep M. Stafford upright, do you think he would be let go? Probably not. He is injured, and its a serious injury. He also has concussion issues. Find a solid vet in free agency and start bringing a late round pick along for the future, or spend a high pick and sign Lang as a stopgap. As for Madision, I don't think you will ever see him in a Packers uniform again. Understandable, given the circumstances, but he also needs to be fair to the Packers. Looking to see if "Gooses" kid makes a run at a roster spot. GO PACK!!
Lare
March 02, 2019 at 06:58 pm
Frankly, I think Lang helps the Packers the most if the Lions keep him.
ShooterMcGee
March 02, 2019 at 07:02 pm
A younger, cheaper, more athletic guard surely can be found in free agency or the early to middle rounds of the draft. Don't bring back these nostalgic type of players.
splitpea1
March 02, 2019 at 07:56 pm
No. I hope the Packers' front office is thinking about long-term solutions for the offensive line rather than expensive stop-gap measures which may not work anyway. No point in trying to relive the past. Select a couple of linemen in the draft, maybe one in the upper rounds and one in the middle.
Doug Niemczynski
March 02, 2019 at 08:35 pm
Let's see
1. T.J Lang ..Pretty Good
2. T.J. Watt ..Real Good
3. T.J. Hockenson AWESOME!!
Think someone is trying to tell us who to pick.
NFL Combine/ Drafts have stated TJ Hockenson as the safest player to pick in the draft.
ShooterMcGee
March 03, 2019 at 04:54 am
Maybe because its such a deep draft on defense that Gutey fools us all by going offense with the first 3 picks. Hock at 12, Dillard or Bradbury at 30, then Hakeem Butler at 44. Restock the offense for a change with some young guys.
jannesbjornson
March 03, 2019 at 04:09 pm
If he can get the EDGE guy in free agency, but Sweat and Polite are very good players to fit @ #12.
Doug Niemczynski
March 02, 2019 at 08:39 pm
Hockenson and Fant are dominanting the combine.
https://saturdaytradition.com/iowa-football/noah-fant-t-j-hockenson-are-...
Doug Niemczynski
March 02, 2019 at 08:43 pm
What the heck
#12 Hockenson
and
Trade up from #30 and get Fant as well!!!
sonomaca
March 03, 2019 at 06:44 am
Boo! Need an elite edge. Need offensive linemen, too. Tight end is not a premium position.
Polite
Burns
Jawan Taylor
Bradbury
Jonah Williams
Lindstron
If Fant is there at #30, maybe.
Doug Niemczynski
March 02, 2019 at 08:47 pm
Let's get that OFFENSIVE POWER going!!
Best a defense with a better offense.
Doug Niemczynski
March 03, 2019 at 08:20 am
Lets see. Elite edge..ha ha or Hall of Famer.
Sorry, Taking Hockenson at #12 !!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 03, 2019 at 08:52 pm
Doug love your enthusiasm over Hock but Fant much better with more upside
jannesbjornson
March 03, 2019 at 04:10 pm
Just like KC and the Rams did to big bad Bill's D.
Doug Niemczynski
March 02, 2019 at 08:55 pm
A . Rodgers would be drooling all over the place if the PACK got both IOWA TEs. in the 1st round!!
Doug Niemczynski
March 03, 2019 at 06:24 pm
Good D yes, but D not good enough or offense not good enough. A loss is s loss.
Doug Niemczynski
March 02, 2019 at 08:56 pm
Does anyone else want to post?
Coldworld
March 02, 2019 at 09:57 pm
Only the caution that what folk do in their underwear doesn’t always look so good in front of 80,000 people.
mrtundra
March 03, 2019 at 08:09 am
It's not his age that worries me, it's his durability. He cannot last an entire season. He was that way when he left GB and now Detroit may cut him? We need new players to fill the holes on our O Line. TJ ain't it. I'm hoping he is no where close to being on Gute's radar.
Doug Niemczynski
March 03, 2019 at 09:41 am
Lang will be 32...Probably broken down as well.
marpag1
March 03, 2019 at 09:44 am
No way. Not a chance, unless Lang is willing to compete for a spot at minimum wage (or close to it).
TT was right to let Wahle and Rivera... oops, I mean Sitton and Lang... walk.
I suppose a pretty good argument could be made that Tretter would have helped us, but he was best at center and there was no way he would displace Linsley. He would have had to fill in at guard or tackle. And Tretter spent a heck of a lot of time injured too.
Spock
March 03, 2019 at 09:46 am
The title of this article is ridiculous. T.J. Lang is a shell of his former self with a beaten down body and pretty significant injuries. He can't even stay on the field for large swathes of the season. To say he should "absolutely" be signed is laughable. This is the type of off season article that is the type I hate the most: Name recognition somehow = great player to have. A hard pass on this idea. I suspect Gute is not even mildly interested in going backward with Lang on an O.L. that needs solid starters and solid depth.
Skip greenBayless
March 03, 2019 at 12:15 pm
A very logical opinion Spock. I totally agree.
Dash
Leatherhead
March 03, 2019 at 01:12 pm
Fascinating.
Referencing the title, as a former teacher I would remind every one that absolutist statements are most likely false statements. As an example "All cats have tails" would exclude not only the Manx, but also any cat which had lost its tail to injury". This is a simple trick that the test makers do.
HankScorpio
March 03, 2019 at 11:08 am
They should only pursue Lang if it is May, they have been unable to address RG and he's dirt cheap. He might make a decent fallback play.
There are younger players with a greater reliability quotient available in both FA and the draft.
TheBigCheeze
March 03, 2019 at 03:34 pm
.....pick up Lang.....and pick up Sitton, too......
JonathanSpader
March 03, 2019 at 05:30 pm
While you're at it pick up a time machine.
elisbona
March 03, 2019 at 05:34 pm
There is definitely a risk with Lang but I don’t see the Packers signing Saffold. Lang could come cheap and is high risk high reward. That being said, bringing back Jimmy Graham at $12.6 mill indicates to me that the Packers are looking to fix things immediately. So either they draft a premium tackle and move Bulaga inside, or they sign a guard or tackle and other needs in free agency and draft the best players available in April.
Doug Niemczynski
March 03, 2019 at 06:26 pm
Why are we talking about TJ Lang?
JonathanSpader
March 04, 2019 at 02:31 am
I was wondering that too Doug. The combine happened. There is a ton to talk about and there's no articles about combine results?
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 03, 2019 at 08:55 pm
Why isnt there an article or three about the Combine? One on defense and one on offense, or by position.
croatpackfan
March 04, 2019 at 06:03 am
I believe the right answer is: NO WAY!