What T.J. Lang Signing Means For Lions, Packers, and Lang

The Detroit Lions made another move in an effort to fortify their offensive line, and it was another big one. In addition to right tackle Rick Wagner, the Lions have brought in Pro Bowl offensive guard T.J Lang on a three year deal, per his agent.

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Lang, 29, has spent his whole career with the Green Bay Packers after they selected him in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Lang was ranked the 8th best guard in the league by Pro Football Focus. So, what does this move mean for both teams? Let’s start with the Packers.

What this means for Green Bay:

This move has a few ramifications on Green Bay. First, this is the second time in the past year where the Packers have seen an All Pro guard go to a division rival. In September, before the start of the regular season, the Pack released Josh Sitton. The very next day, he signed with the Chicago Bears. Sitton and Lang were Pro Bowlers in 2016, yet the Packers went to the NFC Title game with Lang and the Bears missed the playoffs with Sitton. Now, they’ve lost Lang and Sitton to division rivals and got nothing in return.

This move likely means second rounder Jason Spriggs moves into the starting RG spot in Lambeau. Aaron Rodgers may not have as much experience on his line as he used to, which could create some problems.

Lastly, Green Bay’s overall depth takes a hit with the losses of Sitton, Lang, and J.C Tretter in the span of seven months.

What this means for Detroit:

Detroit continues its transformation of the offensive line with this move. Lang and Wagner solidify the right side of the line, and the Lions may have a franchise tackle on the left side in Taylor Decker. If everything works out the way general manager Bob Quinn envisions, then they will have a stalwart line in the Motor City for the next few years.

This signing brings another veteran presence to the OLine that features youngsters Decker, Joe Dahl, Graham Glasgow, Laken Tomlinson, and RFA Cornelius Lucas. Lang may act as a mentor at times to these youngsters to help in their development as their careers progress.

What this means for Lang himself:

It’s quite simple. Lang gets to play in the state he grew up in. He gets to help his native team succeed for once in their history. He gets three years to try and do exactly that.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jack Dempsey