The Lions announced that they have signed center Wesley Johnson. He may wind up as the team’s new starter in the middle of the offensive line.
Last year’s starter, Travis Swanson, remains in free agent limbo. Things have been remarkably quiet around Swanson and it’s not clear if the Lions have expressed interest in re-signing him or if any team has reached out with serious interest.
Johnson entered the league a fifth-round pick of the Steelers in 2014. When he was cut by Pittsburgh, the Jets quickly jumped on him and he has been with the team ever since. Although he started 15 games for the Jets last year and made 24 starts in total, Gang Green opted to go in a different (and pricier) direction this month by signing former Redskins lineman Spencer Long.
As shown on Roster Resource, the Lions will start Taylor Decker at left tackle, T.J. Lang at right guard, and Ricky Wagner at right tackle. The Johnson signing should allow Graham Glasgow to remain at his natural position at left guard, though new addition Kenny Wiggins may be given an opportunity to battle for the top job.
Dude sucks
He was on the Jets, one of the worst teams with a horrible offensive line. Hard to tell if he sucks. On a good team and good offensive line, he’s probably better than Swanson. Probably on a one year deal and Lions will probably draft his replacement.
“For what it’s worth, the advanced metrics are not high on the Jets free agent. Last year, Johnson graded out as the second-worst qualified center in the league, per Pro Football Focus. Swanson didn’t fare much better, placing fifth from the bottom.”
Great inspiration for the Lions here.