Detroit Lions

Lions using franchise tag on Ziggy Ansah

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:56 p.m. ET

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) The Detroit Lions have designated defensive end Ziggy Ansah as their franchise player.

The Lions announced the decision Tuesday. Ansah, a first-round draft pick in 2013, has 44 sacks in five years with Detroit, including 12 this past season.

Ansah hasn't played a full 16 games since the 2015 season, but while his health has been an issue, he can still be an elite pass rusher. He had three sacks in a game three times last season, against the Giants, Bengals and Packers.

The franchise tag buys the Lions and Ansah until mid-July to reach agreement on a long-term contract. Otherwise, he'll play on a one-year deal and make the average of the top five players at his position in 2018.

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