Ricky Wagner is about to get paid. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that the Lions have come to an agreement with the former Ravens offensive tackle on the 2nd day of free agency.
Ravens free-agent OT Ricky Wagner expects to become a Detroit Lion assuming no snags in final negotiations Thursday, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2017
The deal will pay him more than $9 million per season. Wagner is highly expected to become one of the highest-paid offensive linemen this offseason especially at the right tackle position. Given the lack of depth along the offensive line in this year’s NFL Draft, it will likely prompt teams to overpay for the big nasties along the offensive line.
The Lions could have a hard time retaining a pair of impending free agents Riley Reiff and Larry Warford. Wagner, a 5th round pick in 2013, has been a steady offensive lineman starting 14 games this past season. Pro Football Focus just graded Wagner as the 18th best right tackle in football this past season. According to Spotrac.com, the Lions had $32 million in cap space prior to the Wagner agreement.
