By Michael Bennett
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who played admirably but not exceptionally as an Eagles back-up offensive lineman, agreed to a five-year, $45 million deal with the Lions.
Vaitai played a variety of positions while appearing in 55 games and making 20 starts for the Eagles over the last four years and he’s set to move up to a full-time starter after signing his new deal in Detroit.
“I played all positions so it really helped me in terms of the free agent market. . . . I had great guys over there. [Brandon] Brooks always told me you’ve just got to be patient,” Vaitai told the Detroit Free Press. “Same as Jason Peters; he was always telling me, ‘Hey, just be patient. You won’t get your moment now, but as long as you know how to work and double your work ethic, it’ll be great for you. Especially knowing I can play all positions I guess it really helped the stock a little bit. . . . Wherever they need me, I can help the team.”
With Rick Wagner gone, right tackle seems the likeliest spot for Vaitai to kick off his time as a regular with the first team.
