The #Packers have agreed to terms with free agent RT Rick Wagner, formerly of the #Lions, per me and @MikeGarafolo. This signals what has become clear, that Bryan Bulaga is gone.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
The Green Bay Packers have found their replacement for Bryan Bulaga in a castoff from the NFC North.
According to Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers signed offensive tackle Rick Wagner, who was released by the Detroit Lions last week.
A native of Wisconsin and an 87-game starter in the NFL, Wagner could provide the Packers with a cost-effective option for replacing Bulaga, who is heading for unrestricted free agency and likely to cash-in after an impressive 2019 season.
It’s now clear Bulaga, a first-round pick of the Packers in 2010, will be departing Green Bay.
The Baltimore Ravens drafted Wagner out of the University of Wisconsin in the fifth round of the 2013 draft. Milt Hendrickson, now the top personnel executive under Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, worked for the Ravens in 2013, creating a natural connection between player and team.
The Lions signed Wagner to a five-year deal in 2017. He played in 30 of a possible 36 games for the Lions but lasted just three seasons into the deal.
Signing Wagner should solidify the Packers’ five starters along the offensive line for 2020, from left to right: David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner and Wagner.
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