Larry Warford, New Orleans Saints Agree to Contract

Larry Warford spent the first four years of his career with the Detroit Lions, but the right guard is moving on after signing with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

On Friday, Rapoport reported the Saints confirmed the four-year deal, which is worth $34 million with $17 million guaranteed.

Selected in the third round out of the University of Kentucky, Warford exceeded expectations during his time with the Lions. 

The 25-year-old made an instant impact when he started in every game as a rookie, and he's proceeded to start all 41 games he's been available for over the past three years. 

"He’s been good and steady" Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said, according to the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett. "Playing like a veteran. He’s seen a little bit of everything so there’s not too many things that get him out of whack. And he’s been working extremely hard to maintain his level of play."

During the 2016 season, Warford was arguably the Lions' best offensive lineman. According to Pro Football Focus' Sam Monson, Warford recorded the best run-blocking grade (82.6) and pass-blocking grade (81.8) among Detroit players a season ago. 

And as Monson noted, Warford "was markedly better than a year ago at RG, at least when it comes to run blocking."

"I just feel more consistent than I have been, a lot more consistent," Warford said, per Birkett "I think a season I can be proud of, but like always there’s so much to improve on. So much. I’m my biggest critic, so I just know there’s a lot I can improve."

But as it turns out, that improvement will occur outside of the Motor City.

Warford indicated all along that starting a family could cause him to mull over more lucrative offers on the open market, and those considerations ultimately proved significant. 

Now it will be up to the burgeoning right guard to keep his evolution alive and kicking now that he'll be tasked with protecting Drew Brees.