We’re starting to see reports trickled out about how much money players are going to garner in free agency if they hit the open market. Packers right guard T.J. Lang is looking at eight to 10 million dollars per year. That’s a hefty salary for an interior lineman and at 29. There’s full locker room support for the Eastern Michigan product to return with the team, but Ted Thompson might not be willing to pay up at that amount. Green Bay needs to look at this very carefully.

Multiple #NFL sources are expecting the free agent contract of #Packers guard TJ Lang to land between $8-$10 million per season.

— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 6, 2017

Here’s the big starting point for me. How many years. If Lang wants four years for 40 million dollars, do it tomorrow. That’s not a bad deal, and it would give the team wiggle room if Lang started to fade in the second half of the contract. If Lang is asking or thinking he can get five or six years from a team, Green Bay shouldn’t do it. The difference between a year is significant any time we’re talking about a player in their mid-30’s. I’m sure at this point Thompson has a number in mind for what he’s willing to pay, and my guess is it’s not close to what Lang can get from other teams.

Rumors were Denver and Minnesota (Surprise, surprise) would make a move on Lang if he ends up being available on the market. Broncos do not have the pockets to give out big contracts, but Vikings might overpay to rebuild an offensive line overnight with how bad they were last season. Lang could be a much-needed anchor for that team. It would be bizarre to have him in Minnesota and Josh Sitton in Chicago. Packers fans would be very displeased with Ted Thompson.

We have four days until free agency, and the clock is ticking on Thompson making a move with any free agent before the deadline.

Charlie.