Former backup guard, Lane Taylor helped fill a void in the absence of Josh Sitton after his sudden released prior to the 2016 season. The Packers were not disappointed as the Taylor helped the Packers create arguably the best pass blocking offensive lines in the NFL (ranked #1 in pass blocking efficiency by PFF).
As a thanks for his efforts and to solidify their confidence in him moving forward as a starting guard, the soon to be 28 year old guard was signed to a fairly monstrous 3 year contract worth $16.5. The contract also includes a $5 million signing bonus.
There has been a lot of positive news about Taylor in training camp so far this year and a contract extension before the year starts is a good indications the Packers are confident his play will improve in 2017.
In terms of growth, while his pass blocking abilities place him in the top 30 (PFF), his run blocking grade was barely in the top 60 (PFF) and was ranked lower than Don Barclay. With a new guard in Jahri Evans, another guy that struggles in run blocking, we will have to hope his run blocking will improve over last season.