The Detroit Lions now have one of the best offensive lines in the National Football League.
According to Mike McCartney the Lions and Pro Bowl guard T.J. Lang have agreed to a three-year deal.
OG @TJLang70 has agreed to a 3 year contract with the @Lions
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 12, 2017
Lang, who’s a Michigan native and Eastern Michigan alum has proven to be one of the better guards in football. While with Green Bay, Lang established himself as a good run blocker and an elite pass blocker which earned him an 87.0 grade according to Pro Football Focus. In fact according to PFF Lang last season was considered the second best pass blocking guard behind Marshal Yanda of the Baltimore Ravens.
However there are some concerns when it comes to Lang.
He did break his foot last season which he eventually came back from but re-injured it during the playoffs. Lang also underwent hip surgery in January, something that he says was a success so it’s assumed he’ll be ready for camp once that rolls around this summer.
Surgery was a success! Thanks for all the prayers! Excited to go into next season 100% healthy for a change! #FreshHips #NewMan
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) January 27, 2017
However despite those injury concerns, opposing teams are going to have a hell of a time getting to Matthew Stafford. With Lang now in the mix, the Lions have three guys on the line that are good to elite pass blockers. Add to that Darren Fells who the team signed yesterday and Bob Quinn has assembled a Lions offense that has a real identity that can hide some inefficiencies.
Not to mention they were able to snag Lang away from a division rival. You gotta love that.
UPDATE: Lang’s contract with the Lions is for reportedly three-years for $28.5 million with $19 million guaranteed.