Packers Sign RT Ricky Wagner, Bryan Bulaga Gone
The Green Bay Packers are off to a scorching start in free agency, reportedly filling a huge hole at right tackle with the addition of Ricky Wagner.
Not long after signing inside linebacker Christian Kirksey, the Green Bay Packers have also reportedly come to terms with right tackle Ricky Wagner; signaling the end of Bryan Bulaga’s time in green and gold.
Bulaga was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft and spent the last nine years as the Packers’ starting right tackle. When healthy, he’s one of the best in the game, as he proved this past season. Unfortunately, Bulaga’s price tag shot through the roof and Green Bay must’ve decided he was too much of an injury risk.
Wagner, a former University of Wisconsin product, appears to be penciled in as the starting right tackle barring future moves. Wagner, selected in the fifth round of the 2013 draft, is basically the same age as Bulaga but less of an injury risk.
His contract is reportedly worth $11 million in total over two years with various incentives worked in. That’s a nice deal for Green Bay considering the huge pay raise Bulaga was set for.
Wagner is certainly not on the same level as Bulaga, signaling a clear step down at right tackle. However, the Packers have more money to address other areas of need and can also add competition to push Wagner moving forward.
Next. Packers Find LB in Christian Kirksey. dark
Wagner’s signing is clearly a stop-gap, as the Packers still have to address the position in the long-term. However, by signing Wagner, who was released by the Detroit Lions, he won’t count against them in the compensation draft pick formula. That means Green Bay will get a nice comp pick in 2021 considering the contract Bulaga is likely to sign.
It’s just the beginning of the offseason, but general manager Brian Gutekunst is throwing flames as we speak. Stay tuned for what’s to come!