Free agency picked up fast for the Detroit Lions. Hot on the heels of the news that Detroit will be saying goodbye to veteran linebacker DeAndre Levy, Ian Rapoport reported that guard Larry Warford, an unrestricted free agent, would also be departing the city for New Orleans. Sources have told Rapoport that Warford will be signing with the Saints.
Source: The #Saints are signing G Larry Warford to beef up their OL. Was a big area of focus for them.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
The report was confirmed by Larry Warford’s agents soon after.
Although a re-signing of Warford by the Lions was unlikely, his departure puts the picture in place for the Lions offensive line. Pending a free agent hire or draft pick, the current starting right guard looks to be Laken Tomlinson. Although he is a former first round pick, the Lions could still probably look to find a player to provide depth or competition going into camp, but options will be limited as the release of Levy puts a desperate need for resources to be allocated towards the defense.
Riley Reiff, the other lineman free agent, will probably not return given that the Lions will be signing tackle Ricky Wagner.
Warford made $1.84 million last year with the Detroit Lions.