Larry Warford Signs with the New Orleans Saints
By Tony Fischer
The shuffling and retooling on the Detroit Lions offensive line continues. Guard Larry Warford is the latest Detroit Lion to hit the open road after signing a free agent contract with the Saints.
"The Saints are adding some strength and size to their offensive line.Larry Warford, who has started for the Lions since they drafted him four years ago, will sign with the Saints, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. via ProFootball Talk."
The moves is a vote of confidence for Graham Glasgow who had a solid 2016 season. A season that obviously made Larry Warford expendable.
It is strange to see another former high-round draft pick go but it’s not a surprise. The Detroit Lions desire to retool the offensive line became obvious when they signed Right Tackle Ricky Wagner in favor of letting Reiff walk out the door.
The 2016 line was serviceable when it came to protecting Matt Stafford but failed miserably opening up holes for a 30th ranked rushing attack.
The 2017 version should fare better.
It will be one of the youngest and inexpensive lines in the NFL with players under club control for the next few seasons. It is also jammed with up and coming young talent and will be led by one of the best tackles in the league in Ricky Wagner.
Warford leaving town would be a big story on its own but compared to the other Detroit Lions Free Agent stories, it is just a byline. Bob Quinn started the ball rolling with the Ricky Wagner contract, signed linebacker Paul Worrilow and then dropped a bomb when he announced the intention to release of DeAndre Levy.
Now the Lions are said to be in the mix on big names like linebacker Dont’a Hightower while willing to bring back Wide Receivers Anquan Boldin and Andre Roberts.
After all the dust settles on the day one thing will be clear. The 2017 version of the Detroit Lions will be younger and more talented than last year’s playoff contender. Lions fans are usually left disappointed on Free Agency signing day. The days activity will certainly stoke the burning desire for a Super Bowl contender in the motor city.
What say you Lions fans? Is it a bed move letting Larry Warford go or is it time to move on? Let us know what you think.