Detroit Lions rumors: Ricky Wagner agrees to terms
By Noah Torr
The Detroit Lions have agreed to a contract with star right tackle Ricky Wagner.
The Detroit Lions are now making Ricky Wagner one of the richest offensive linemen in the league.
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
Offensive linemen have not been notoriously known for making the “big bucks” when it comes to signings or contract extensions. But, with the new influx of cap space in the league and with the high talent of all the offensive linemen in the league, teams are going to have to start spending more to keep their big guys happy.
The highest paid offensive lineman right now is Trent Williams, who is making an average is $13.6 million per season. Williams is definitely one of the best tackles in the league, and the contract he signed proves that.
As a former Baltimore Raven, Wagner had a very impressive 45 starts over three seasons with the Ravens. Wagner brings veteran experience to the Lions O-Line who has not necessarily been very impressive.
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Matthew Stafford, the Lions quarterback, was sacked a total of 37 times last season which ranks sixth among all the active quarterbacks last season. The Lions clearly need help if they are going to protect their main asset at quarterback, and adding Ricky Wagner is a step in the right direction for the Lions.
The Lions are looking to improve on their 9-7 record last season and make it farther than the opening round of the playoffs. The Lions need to capitalize on the talent that they currently have and they will do that this season.