Lions Place Franchise Tag On Ziggy Ansah

Coming off of a season where he led the team in sacks, the Detroit Lions have used their franchise tag on defensive end Ezekiel Ansah.

Ansah, 28, put up the second highest sack total of his career in the 2017 season with 12, he recorded 14.5 sacks in 2015. Ansah also forced one fumble last season. Ansah was expected to be the best pass rushing option available on the free agent market this season.

If Ansah plays under the franchise tag in 2018 he will be due to make around $17.5 million. The exact amount of what a defensive end (or any position) will make under the tag will be solidified when the NFL announces its 2018 salary cap. That announcement is expected soon as the new league year begins March 14, most sources say the cap will be around $178 million.

The Lions and Ansah have until July 16 to negotiate a long-term deal, otherwise Ansah will play under the franchise tag in 2018.

Ansah has spent his entire career in Detroit since he was drafted fifth overall in 2013. He has racked up 44 sacks in 73 career games played over five seasons.