Detroit Lions agree to sign possible T.J. Lang replacement

The Detroit Lions continue to agree to sign free agents, now landing themselves a possible replacement for two-time Pro Bowl guard T.J. Lang.

Last week, the Detroit Lions decided to move on from two-time Pro Bowl offensive guard T.J. Lang. That was after a two-year stint in Detroit where injuries robbed him of playing in a total of 13 games. The 31-year old is now contemplating retirement.

As for the Lions themselves, Detroit could use several avenues to replace Lang at right guard. The most likely candidate being six-year veteran Kenny Wiggins, who started in 10 games for Detroit last season as Lang’s fill-in. Backup Joe Dahl is also a consideration. As is 2018 fifth round selection tackle Tyrell Crosby.

There has also been some speculation that 2018 first round selection, Frank Ragnow, could be moved from his left guard position. And that current Lions’ center Graham Glasgow could also be a versatile piece at guard.

But on Tuesday, the Lions may have found themselves an answer to Lang’s absence. First reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and confirmed by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Motor City has agreed to a one-year deal with offensive guard Oday Aboushi. The contract is worth up to $2 million.

Aboushi was a fifth-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft by the New York Jets who didn’t play a single regular season game his rookie season. The following year, he was a 10-game starter for the Jets. Still, New York opted to release Aboushi during final cuts before the start of his third season.

Since then the 27-year old journeyman has played for three other NFL teams including the Seattle Seahawks, the Houston Texans and, last season, with the Arizona Cardinals. Aboushi started in eight games for the Cardinals after being signed in October.

Aboushi spent a single season with the Seahawks back in 2017, starting in eight games. Seattle’s offensive coordinator at the time was Darrell Bevell, who is now the OC for the Lions. And Aboushi is now in the mix as a possible starter at right guard for Detroit in 2019.