With Warford Gone, Lions bringing in Packers Pro-Bowler T.J. Lang
By Matt Urben
Packers guard, and Michigan native, T.J. Lang is reportedly set to visit the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks. Plus, the Packers are interested in potentially matching any offer. With Larry Warford heading to New Orleans, there is an opening on the Lions’ offensive line for Lang, who has been a Pro-Bowler in Green Bay protecting Aaron Rodgers.
Will Lang make the ultimate, divisional betrayal and leave Green Bay for Detroit, as Riley Reiff did by going to the Minnesota Vikings? It’s highly likely if Detroit is aggressive, as they were going after Ricky Wagner, agreeing to a reported $9 million annual contract. The biggest news of today, somehow, may be Detroit’s parting with linebacker DeAndre Levy.
The move comes as a shock more than anything since it was believed Lions management had high hopes for a Levy comeback. Instead, it sounds as if Levy’s time in Detroit has come to an abrupt end. After being a bargain for several years, he didn’t see the field much since his big-money extension a few years ago.
As I wrote earlier, the Lions were going to have to decide what to do with Warford, still having Laken Tomlinson under contract. While fans won’t be thrilled if they end up with Tomlinson at right guard, he was much more effective at the position on the right side in college. Many compared Tomlinson to Warford coming out, but Detroit essentially gave Tomlinson the starting left guard job as a rookie, 1st-round pick in 2015, with poor results.
I think Laken could be a more efficient player back on the right side, however, Lang would be the better option for Detroit in that spot in my opinion. Graham Glasgow was really solid when playing left guard next to Swanson, injuries forced him to be moved all around. The Lions would have an elite offensive line if they are able to land T.J. Lang.
Other Lions News: Team tenders defensive lineman Kerry Hyder, wide receiver T.J. Jones, and LB/DE Brandon Copeland. Lions also agree to deal with linebacker Paul Worrilow — formerly with the Atlanta Falcons. Reports broke that Detroit agreed to a deal with Akeem Spence, 25-year-old defensive tackle, formerly with the Tampa Bay Bucs.
The D not such a bad idea !!! #LionPride #OnePride ezzz
— Akeem Spence (@AkeemSpence) March 9, 2017
Stay tuned for more updates during this crazy free agency period!
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