Heading into the offseason, there was no guarantee that guard T.J. Lang would be with the Detroit Lions when the 2019 season rolled around. After all, the former Eastern Michigan standout had an injury-plagued season and the Lions would have to decide whether or not they wanted to bring him back for another season.
http://gty.im/1054749026
Well, Lang made that decision pretty easy as he decided to retire from the National Football League.
The thought by most was that Lions' general manager Bob Quinn would select a guard in the NFL Draft but that did not happen.
So, who will take Lang's place in 2019? Will it be Kenny Wiggins or Joe Dahl? What about undrafted free agent Beau Benzschawel out of Wisconsin? To be honest, none of those three should have anyone excited.
Enter Brandon Fusco, who was just released by the Atlanta Falcons.
NEWS: We have released G Brandon Fusco.
STORY: https://t.co/S9Nhol8VrT
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 29, 2019
From Atlanta Falcons:
Fusco, 30, started each of the seven games he was healthy for the Falcons in 2018 after signing with the team as a free agent prior to the season. Fusco suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the Falcons' win against the New York Giants in Week 7.
Let me be clear about one thing. Is Fusco a guy who is going to come in and fill Lang's shoes? No. But is he better than what the Lions currently have? Absolutely.
Bob Quinn has ignored the offensive line, for the most part, this offseason but he had better start giving it some attention because the right guard position is currently a weakness.