Ricky Wagner Reportedly Signing with Detroit Lions

Detroit will have a new name protecting Matthew Stafford in 2017 after making a splash early in free agency

Multiple reports are confirming that the Detroit Lions will sign offensive tackle Ricky Wagner once free agency officially kicks off on Thursday.

NFL Network’s league insider Ian Rapoport says the deal could be worth over $9 million per season. Wagner will leave the Baltimore Ravens solely with first round pick Ronnie Stanley at the offensive tackle position.

Wagner will replace pending free agent Riley Reiff in Detroit, who was rated by Pro Football Focus as the 48th offensive tackle in the NFL.

Here’s what NFL Mocks contributor Russell Brown wrote about Wagner heading into free agency:

"Some teams will be looking to find key offensive line contributors in free agency. There might not be a better offensive tackle on the market than Ricky Wagner. After being a 5th round pick (168th overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft, Wagner has been a mainstay at the right tackle position for the Baltimore Ravens. He’s started in 47 games over his career and 45 of those starts have come over the last three seasons. From the University of Wisconsin, Wagner could be a fit to play for his hometown team of the Green Bay Packers. However, he’ll be one of the top tackles on the market and will have a level of interest from a magnitude of teams."

This reported agreement will place Wagner at right tackle while sophomore Taylor Decker continues to develop on the left side.

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