Green Bay Packers free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers guard T.J. Lang (70) watches from the sidelines during the second half of a football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field.The Green Bay Packers won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers guard T.J. Lang (70) watches from the sidelines during the second half of a football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field.The Green Bay Packers won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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T.J. Lang

Guard, Green Bay Packers

While Perry is more likely to get hit with the franchise tag, it is something that the Packers do have to consider with Lang. He is coming off his first Pro Bowl season at age 28. However, Lang did suffer a bad leg injury in the NFC Championship against the Atlanta Falcons.

His recovery heading into free agency will be crucial. Will Lang get back to his current level of ball or did we just see him peak in a career year? Regardless, it would be ill-advised for the Packers to not contemplate bringing Lang back for a ninth season at least.

Lang wants to re-up with the Packers. He could conceivably take a hometown discount, but honestly shouldn’t since he is coming off his best season as a professional. However, Green Bay will likely use his most recent leg injury as leverage to lower his negotiating price.

If Green Bay lets Lang walk, they could bring in a guy like Dallas’ Leary or even grossly overpay for Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler. This looks to be a strong free agency class for offensive guards, so let’s keep that in mind.

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Slapping Lang with the franchise tag at roughly $14.4 million would be pushing it. However, they can’t continue to waste the back-end of Rodgers’ prime. They know what they have in Lang, but how much is Thompson willing to play to bring him back on another contract with the Packers?