clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

BYU in the NFL: Ziggy Ansah signs franchise tag with Detroit Lions

The former BYU star and first-round draft pick just cashed in by signing a franchise tag tender with the Detroit Lions.

By Brett Hein
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah salutes the crowd after the game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec 31, 2017 at Ford Field. Raj Mehta/USA Today Sports
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Former BYU defensive lineman Ziggy Ansah cashed in by accepting the Detroit Lions’ franchise tag tender, the team announced Tuesday.

Ansah will make $17.143 million in the 2018-19 season, signing the offer after the Lions put the franchise tag on Ansah in late February.

The Lions drafted Ziggy fifth overall in 2013. The 6-foot-5, 271-pound defensive end is set to enter his sixth NFL season.

He recorded 39 tackles, including 12 sacks, over 14 games in the 2017-18 season. He’s tallied 44 sacks in his five pro seasons.

Ansah made a combined $6.7 million in his first four seasons before garnering $12.7 million last season, according to Spotrac.

Because of the franchise tag, NBC Sports reports Ansah would draw $20.572 million in 2019-20 if the Lions wish to retain him and keep him from entering unrestricted free agency.

In his 2012 senior season at BYU, Ansah tallied 13 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble while spending time at defensive end, outside linebacker, and nose tackle for a historic Cougars defense.

More From Vanquish The Foe