The New Orleans Saints have found a replacement for veteran free agent Jahri Evans on the offensive line.
The team signed former Lions guard Larry Warford on Thursday. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Warford's deal is worth $34 million over four years with $17 million in guarantees.
A third-round pick in 2013, Warford started 57 of a possible 64 games over four seasons in Detroit. He was ranked No. 21 on Around The NFL's list of the Top 101 free agents.
While the Saints have made it a priority to restock their beleaguered defense, upgrading at guard was the primary focus on the other side of the ball. Before honing in on Warford, they made a run at Kevin Zeitler, who will become the highest-paid guard in the league with Cleveland.
At a time when many playoff contenders are struggling to protect the quarterback, the Saints are ahead of the curve with a stout offensive line.
