Barring any changes, the National Football League is set to start its new year on March 18.
With players getting franchise-tagged and contracts in the works, there will be a few headline names to hit the free agency market.
According to Ian Rapoport, a national insider for NFL Network, the Detroit Lions are releasing Rick Wagner.
Source: The #Lions are releasing RT Rick Wagner, who was set to make $9M in 2020. A former free agent signing, as Detroit clears some space.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2020
The Wisconsin native was a fifth-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, but spent the last three years with the Lions.
A former Big Ten Champion with the Badgers (2010-12), Wagner is an offensive tackle.
The loss of Wagner has Detroit with an opportunity to take an offensive lineman with the No. 3 pick of this year’s NFL Draft.
After a strong career at Alabama and a dominant performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Jedrick Wills is one of the best linemen in the draft class.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pounder allowed just one sack last season and cleared the way for Najee Harris’ first career 1,000-yard rushing (1,224) campaign.
He is a smooth technician in run-blocking, while possessing great power in pass protection.
Matthew Stafford will enter his 12th season at quarterback for the Lions this fall and needs more protection up front.
RELATED: Jedrick Wills, former Tide OT, kept his word and delivered a strong Combine performance
The former No. 1 overall pick of the 2009 draft and alumnus of Georgia has seven 4,000-plus yard passing seasons; however, he has only been in the NFL playoffs three times.
Along with this, Stafford does have a history of injuries – including shoulder, hand, ankle and knee issues.
Wills would definitely shore up the Lions’ offensive line and keep Stafford upright within the pocket. While it is among the list of teams in the sweepstakes for a quarterback, getting a marquee lineman would be huge for Detroit.
Will it make the move for Wills?
He projects as a top-15 pick.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
