Are the Detroit Lions still in the market for a pass rusher?
Despite the Detroit Lions using the franchise tag on defensive end Ziggy Ansah on Tuesday, is the Motor City still in the market for a pass rusher?
The Detroit Lions announced Tuesday that they will use their franchise tag on defensive end Ezekiel Ansah. Once Ziggy signs his tender, the 28-year old pass rusher will officially be on a one-year deal in the Motor City for a whopping $17.5 million.
This move insures the Lions will have their premier pass rusher in 2018 and helps to solidify a defense that will likely be undergoing major changes under new head coach and defensive mastermind Matt Patricia.
Beyond Ansah, the Lions have a quality pair of pass rushers in third year defensive end Anthony Zettel and Detroit’s 2016 sack leader Kerry Hyder Jr., who is an exclusive rights free agent this offseason. So does this depth mean the Lions are not interested in signing and/or drafting another pass rusher this offseason? Absolutely not.
Remember, Ansah is on a one-year deal. His age, injury history and inconsistent play makes his return in 2019 somewhat unlikely. And don’t forget about Hyder, who will be coming off a season-ending Achilles’ injury that he suffered in the Lions’ first preseason game of last year.
The argument could be made that the Lions’ would not only be open to signing a pass rusher in free agency, but possibly adding one in the 2018 NFL Draft as well. Especially if they want to develop a rookie behind Ansah this year before moving on from the veteran defensive end.
"“Pickings could be slim if the Lions are hoping to match the No. 20 overall pick with a pass rusher of appropriate value,” wrote Chase Goodbread on NFL.com. “LSU’s Arden Key could provide pass-rush help, and if UTSA’s Marcus Davenport is still around, [Mike] Mayock said the Lions should ‘jump all over him.’ Beyond that, Mayock mentioned Ohio State’s Tyquan Lewis as potential fit in the second or third round.”"
Next: Should Detroit kick the tires on Pernell McPhee?
It seems unlikely that the Detroit Lions would use their first round selection on a pass rusher. But this year’s class is rumored to be very light at defensive end. So, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities. Some names Detroit fans may want to watch for as possible targets when free agency kicks off next month are Julius Peppers, Kony Ealy, Pernell McPhee, Alex Okafor and Trent Murphy. Don’t be surprised to see the Lions bolster this position in the coming weeks.