Lang focused on 2012, not his contract

Posted by Justin Hull on Jul 26, 2012 in Packers | 0 comments

2012 will have a different feel for Packers Offensive Lineman T.J Lang.

After three seasons of battling for a roster spot, playing-time and a starting job, Lang enters the year locked in as Green Bay’s starting left guard.  But sill as he enters his 4th NFL season with more certainty than ever before, Lang will still be battling for something; a new contract.

The 2013 free-agent-to-be isn’t overly worried about getting paid right now.  ”For me, its been something that I’ve talked very briefly with my Agent about” Lang said when asked about playing in the final year of his deal.  ”If something happens, that would great.  If not, then no big deal.  My focus right now is 100% on football.”

Lang has seen a few of his teammates in the same position over the past few seasons.  Fellow starting guard Josh Sitton received a five-year, nearly $35-million deal a few days before the start of the 2011 season.  Sitton was also entering the final year of his contract and coming off a season where he was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association.

A couple more of Lang’s colleagues got nice deals, but had to wait till free agency to get them.  Darryn Colledge inked a five-year, $27.5-million deal with the Arizona Cardinals following the 2010 season where he started ahead of Lang at Left Guard.  This past march, Pro Bowl Center Scott Wells found a four-year, $24-million payday with the St. Louis Rams.

“Just from talking to a bunch of other guys that have been in the same position, the best advice I got is let that side take of itself and just do what you can do” Lang added.  That is his approach to 2012. “That’s what I am doing.  I’m ready to play football, I’m excited about the year coming up.”

Of course, Lang would be happy if an extension did happen;  ” If something happens contract wise, that would be great.  I’m not expecting anything but if something does happen, that would be awesome.  If not, I’m ready to play football.”

Lang has played in 44-games, starting 19 of them in his three seasons with the Packers.  Last year, he started in all 16 games.

Justin Hull is the host of the “Home Stretch” heard 2p-5p on 95.3 FM, WSCO Radio n Green Bay/Appleton, Wisconsin and Sports Reporter for WHBY Radio in Appleton, WI.  Follow him on twitter (@jh1570) or facebook.