Several different factors coalesced to make Rick Wagner’s final destination in free agency a simple one to figure out.
The veteran right tackle said Thursday it was an “easy decision” to come back to his home state and join the Green Bay Packers after being released by the Detroit Lions.
“I’m very happy to be home,” Wagner said during a Zoom call with reporters.
Wagner, a West Allis native who played college football for the Badgers in Madison, grew up a Packers fan and made several trips up to Green Bay to see preseason games and visit training camp. He said he “never” wants to leave the state of Wisconsin again, and he might not have to if he proves to be a capable replacement for Bryan Bulaga, who left to sign with the Chargers in free agency.
A combination of fit, opportunity and location gave Wagner all the incentive he needed to sign a two-year deal with the Packers. Not only does he like the new offense, but he’ll be the favorite to start at right tackle, and a trip from Green Bay to West Allis can be completed in under two hours.
The former Badgers standout was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2013. He spent four years in Baltimore before leaving to sign a lucrative contract with the Detroit Lions, who – after a disappointing season – released him just three years into a five-year deal.
Wagner called Green Bay a “special place” and said he continued to follow the Packers over the last eight years while in Baltimore and Detroit.
“It was a pretty easy decision to come here, and I’m very happy to be here,” Wagner said.
The Packers will be just as happy if Wagner’s homecoming solves a big issue along the offensive line in 2020.
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