Lions shed Wagner’s contract
The Detroit Lions will have some free-agent work to do to shore up the team’s offensive line.
With right guard Graham Glasgow already set to hit free agency and not expected to return, the Lions released right tackle Rick Wagner on Friday.
The 30-year-old Wagner signed a five-year deal with the Lions in 2017 for US$47.5 million, which made him the highest paid player at the position at that time.
However, the six-foot-six, 313-pound Wagner struggled to stay on the field in three seasons with the Lions.
He missed three games in 2017 and another one in 2018 while missing a quarter of the season in 2019. One was due to concussion protocol, while the final three were because of a knee injury.
Statistically, he also regressed, with Pro Football Focus saying he allowed 32 pass-rush pressures while finishing 48th out of 60 offensive tackles as a run blocker.
Wagner was set to earn $9 million this season and his release will free up $6.1 million in cap space for the Lions in free agency, which, despite fears of the COVID -19 pandemic, is slated to start Wednesday.
While several major sports announced the suspension of play the past few days, it wasn’t until Friday that the NFL announced the first big impact to the league from the COVID-19 pandemic.
While training camps remain months away, the league announced Friday teams are not permitted to host prospects at their facilities or on campus sites, which will eliminate pro days as well.
The Lions were already among 20 NFL teams before Friday to suspend travel for coaches and player personnel staff.
LOST WAGES FUND
Ilitch Holdings announced on Friday it has set up a $1 million fund to cover a month’s wages for part-time game and event staff that have lost work due to cancellations and postponements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes the Detroit Red Wings final four home games, the Detroit Pistons’ final eight home games, and those working the Tigers’ final six home spring training games in Lakeland, Fla. It also covers workers at Little Caesars Arena, where the NCAA Frozen Four was scheduled for next month, and the Fox Theater for concerts and events planned.