Report: Lions Have Released Rick Wagner

Lions release veteran right tackle Rick Wagner. Read who his replacement could be on Detroit's offensive line

According to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, the Lions are releasing right tackle Rick Wagner.

In an obvious cost-cutting move, Detroit has decided to part ways with one of general manager Bob Quinn's most disappointing free-agent signings.

Wagner agreed to a five-year, $47.5 million deal with Quinn & Co. in 2017, and was set to earn a base salary of $9 million in 2020.

Detroit did not see the value in bringing back Wagner -- the sixth-highest paid right tackle in the league.

With the move, the Lions have created approximately $6.1 million in cap space towards the 2020 season.

In 2019, Wagner recorded career lows in several grades, per Pro Football Focus.

He earned an overall grade of 59.0, including a 60.2 mark in pass-blocking and a 53.9 run-block grade, per PFF.

Third-year lineman Tyrell Crosby is the likely replacement at this time, and Detroit will also have to replace guard Graham Glasgow. 

“I think right now, he’s done a really good job of just going out and doing his job and playing to the level of what we need him to play for in whatever position, whether it’s left or right in those situations,” Lions head coach Matt Patricia said in December regarding Crosby.

Besides Crosby, the Lions currently have tackles Taylor Decker, Dan Skipper, and Caleb Benenoch under contract. 

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

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