The Buffalo Bills are actively looking for an upgrade to replace free agent right tackle Jordan Mills, and per NFL reporter Michael Lombardi, they’re aiming high: Ricky Wagner, the top free agent available, is in their crosshairs.
With roughly $23 million in cap space available, the Bills rank 24th in the NFL, but that doesn’t seem to stop them from pursuing a player who Mike Garafolo predicted could “blow the lid” off of the market for right tackles. They’ll face stiff competition from the Chicago Bears, who possesses more than twice as much cap space, though the Bears are also linked with other expensive targets like Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon and Buffalo’s own Stephon Gilmore.
Wagner was drafted out of Wisconsin’s offensive line factory in 2013 as a fifth round pick. He became a starter for the Ravens in 2014, when Rick Dennison was coaching quarterbacks for the team. Wagner has started 47 games for the Ravens, and has been a favorite of Pro Football Focus for some time.
Update: Wagner has reportedly agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions. Welp.
The #Lions and OT Ricky Wagner have agreed in principle on a contract, source said. It will eclipse $9M per year, setting a new market.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017