T.J. Lang: 5 best fits in NFL free agency
By John Buhler
Green Bay Packers
NFC, North
Even though he is aging, coming off two injuries, and is starting to get expensive, it would be shocking to see Lang leave the Packers in free agency. Their offensive line was one of the best in football and Lang wants to remain in Green Bay.
The Packers don’t historically dabble in free agency during the Ted Thompson era of the front office. He prefers to draft his players to ensure he knows everything about the makeup of the player he is bringing into the organization.
Green Bay is in good shape with the salary cap. The Packers will have a projected $43,568,612 for Thompson to navigate this spring. Expect almost all of that to go towards retaining top players like Lang and pass rusher Nick Perry, while signing all of its draft picks and a few players out of college.
Where Thompson might have a decision to make is with which player does he use the franchise tag on? He could use it on either Lang or Perry if he wants to, but they may not be worth the value of that franchise tag at their respective position. Perry and Lang may not get roughly the $14 million they would garner from the tag.
Next: Best QB/Head Coach Combos in NFL History
In all honesty, Perry is more likely to get slapped with the tag than Lang, as pass rushers are valued higher than interior offensive linemen. Green Bay may not have to spend $10 million to keep Lang around, but he is going to get a bump in pay if he stays with the Packers this season.