The Detroit Lions announced they have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins, bringing him back for the third consecutive year.
“Wiggins joined the Lions as an unrestricted free agent in 2018 and has previously spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers (2013-17),” the Lions said in a press release. “He also had stints on the practice squad with the San Francisco 49ers (2012) and Baltimore Ravens (2011). “Wiggins originally entered the NFL with the 49ers as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft out of Fresno State. He has appeared in 75 career games (38 starts).”
Lions agree to terms with OL Kenny Wiggins: https://t.co/FjEDsMglO2 pic.twitter.com/3MAWdPyakW
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 14, 2020
The third member of the Lions three-guard rotation in 2019, Wiggins saw the field for 438 snaps typically seeing time at both right and left guard each game, before landing on injured reserve with a torn biceps mid-December.
Wiggins is a balanced player who is experienced at both guard spots and saw time at right tackle during his time with the Chargers. He is well-liked and respected by both players and coaches in the locker room and offers the Lions depth and stability on the interior offensive line — something they desperately need.
The addition of Wiggins won’t prevent the Lions from acquiring more competition in the draft — they will still likely consider taking an interior offensive lineman in the first 100 picks — but he gives them some much-needed positional insurance. Now the Lions can head into the draft without having to reach for a guard prospect.
Wiggins will likely enter training camp as the front-runner for his old position as the third guard, or potentially win the starting job outright — currently he probably the leader for the job.