The Lions have signed offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins. Wiggins is listed as a guard in the press release, which is undoubtedly to the delight of the former Charger.
Wiggins, who has experience at all five offensive line positions, was vocal about his desire to play solely at guard.
“I’ve always said the more you can do, the less you get paid,” Wiggins said in January. “It’s the truth. You’ve got to be able to play in one spot and play it well. If you can play a bunch of spots but you play them mediocre, then you’re not going to get paid. Me playing every game at guard and locking down the spot, and being able to show people that I can be an everyday starter — go out there, stay healthy and be a contributor on our line — I think that speaks volumes.”
Wiggins wound up starting at right guard last season for the Chargers due to injuries. He played played 999 snaps, good for second-highest on the Bolts’ offensive line. As a whole, the Chargers’ offensive line performed well, allowing a league-low 18 sacks as Melvin Gordon topped 1,100 rushing yards.
For what it’s worth, the advanced numbers weren’t fond of Wiggins’ play. Pro Football Focus rated him as just the 74th ranked guard in the league out of 82 qualified players.
As shown on Roster Resource, there could be an opening for Wiggins to start at one guard spot with T.J. Lang at the other. However, if the Lions wind up signing Matt Slauson after his visit, Wiggins may wind up either as a reserve.