The NFL Free Agency tampering season is in full swing and the Detroit Lions are stepping up! According to a tweet by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have an agreement in place with one of the more sought after free agents on the offensive line.
The #Lions and OT Ricky Wagner have agreed in principle on a contract, source said. It will eclipse $9M per year, setting a new market.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017
Wagner is projected to protect right side of the line, indicating the Detroit Lions are prepared to say goodbye to veteran and former first round pick Riley Reiff.
That's a huge get for the Lions. Will take over at RT https://t.co/tcBzs2E3mm
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 8, 2017
Big Upgrade
Ricky Wagner is considered an upgrade on the right side earning an overall grade of 84.5 versus Reiff’s 67.5 according to Pro-Football Focus. Wagner’s specialty is pass blocking, ranking in the top ten in that category in 2016. Clearly the Lions are going all in on protecting franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford.
With all the talk about upgrading the run game, getting a pass blocking specialist may seem a little odd. But an improved passing attack can slow the defensive front and make more space for Ameer Abdullah.
Draft Impact
The Ricky Wagner signing all but rules out Bob Quinn using the twenty-first overall pick on an offensive lineman. That backs up some mock drafts that have predicted the Detroit Lions will use their first-rounder on a corner or edge rusher.
Ripple Effect
Now Bob Quinn and the Detroit Lions will likely turn their attention to the guard position and Larry Warford who is projected to get more than $8 million a year on his new contract. In the wake of the Ricky Wagner signing, the Lions should be a top choice for Warford who stands to benefit from an upgrade on the right side of the line.
Wagner is projected to make $9 million in 2017. He is the top offensive tackle on the market and his deal will set the market and even effect whatever deal now former Detroit Lion Riley Reiff is likely to get.
Sound off Lions fans! What do you think of the deal? Are you hyped that the Lions are players in this year’s free agent market? Leave your comment below.