GREEN BAY, Wis. — It continues to be a busy week for Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson. One day after signing free agent running back Cedric Benson, the Packers have agreed to a four-year contract extension with starting left guard T.J. Lang.
The deal was announced on Twitter by Lang's agent, Mike McCartney.
Soon after, Lang sent out a message of his own.
"Thanks for all the love!," Lang posted on Twitter. "I'm beyond excited to be staying home for another 4 years. Pack nation I won't let you down!"
Lang, a fourth-round pick by Green Bay in 2009, was to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. He is now set to stay with the Packers through 2016.
Lang became a full-time starter for the first time last season, beating out 2011 first-round pick Derek Sherrod, who is more suited for an offensive tackle position.
According to the ratings on ProFootballFocus.com, Lang was the 10th-best offensive guard in pass protection last season. With starting right guard Josh Sitton performing at an elite level, Lang was actually the second-ranked guard on Green Bay's offensive line.
Lang was not as good in run blocking, however, ranking 47th in the league among guards.
This is just one of several contract extensions that Thompson will have to look into for players on the Packers' roster this season. Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Greg Jennings will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, plus the contracts of linebacker Clay Matthews and nose tackle B.J. Raji expire after next season.
Most importantly, MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers has three years left on a contract that doesn't have him among the top-five paid players at his position. Considering the five-year, $100 million extension that Saints quarterback Drew Brees recently signed, Rodgers will likely not wait until the end of his deal to negotiate an extension.
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