Free Agency: Rick Wagner Agrees to Terms With Lions
By Joe Schiller
Rick Wagner has reportedly agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions
One of the Baltimore Ravens big free agents is officially off of the board. Right tackle Rick Wagner has agreed to terms join the Detroit Lions once free agency officially starts tomorrow. The deal is expected to eclipse over $9 million per year.
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
The Ravens drafted Wagner in the 5th round of the 2013 draft and he became the heir to Michael Oher. He spent the last three seasons as the Ravens starting right tackle. At only 27 years old, he was considered on of the top players heading into free agency. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second best free agent right tackle behind Andrew Whitworth.
#Ravens Rick Wagner is 2nd ranked free agent OT behind Andrew Whitworth who is 35, according to @PFF. Wagner (27) will make big $$$.
— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) February 22, 2017
This is a major signing for the Lions. Wagner is an instant upgrade to their offensive line. He is a very solid blocker in the run and pass game. His job will now be to protect Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense as they try to for another playoff push in 2017.
For the Ravens, losing Wagner was expected. The two sides tried to make a deal before free agency, but Wagner rejected the offers sent his way. It is the second year in a row that Ravens are losing a major piece on the offensive line. Last offseason, the Ravens and guard Kelechi Osemele were not able to agree to terms. Osemele went on to join the Oakland Raiders on a 5 year, $58.5 million deal.
Next: Baltimore Ravens Losing In Early Stages Of Free Agency
It is now another hole that the Ravens must fill. They will most likely address this position with a veteran in free agency or a lineman in the draft.