Would the Detroit Lions really let Ziggy Ansah leave?

The Detroit Lions have a week left to decide what to do with Ziggy Ansah in 2018. Would parting with one of the NFL’s best pass rushers be a huge mistake?

Ziggy Ansah was supposed to be the reason why it was okay to let Ndamukong Suh leave. He had 14.5 sacks and was a Pro Bowl defensive end in 2015. After being plagued by injuries, 2017 was a return to form for Ansah. With 12.0 sacks on the season, he once again was among the league leaders in the category.

With 44 career sacks already and plenty of prime years left, Ziggy has basically been Robert Porcher 2.0. So why don’t people seem too concerned about the prospect of him leaving Detroit this off-season?

The Lions have another week to decide whether or not to use the franchise tag on Ansah. This is something they haven’t used since 2012 (on Cliff Avril, who left town the next year). The franchise tag honestly confuses me a little bit, but it would mean they lock down Ansah for one more year and buy a little time to decide what to do next.

The other two options: re-signing Ziggy to a long term deal, or letting him walk.

Is this the ‘Patriot Way’ at work?

Until a few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have thought that parting ways with Ansah might really be a legitimate option. From what I’ve seen, Ziggy can be inconsistent but the numbers have shown a ton of production.  Adding to that, this year’s free agent pool is relatively slim at his position. Is he not considered as important to the defensive line as I’d thought? Are they thinking they can get similar output at a much lower cost from someone else?

Although Dave Birkett at the Free Press votes for the franchise tag, he’s also already scouting out potential replacements at defensive end. Free agent pass rushers Trent Murphy, Alex Okafor, and Adrian Clayborn are among those mentioned.  I haven’t seen any evidence to suggest that a new contract for Ansah is at all probable during this offseason.

I’ve seen it suggested that Ansah is an example of the type of player that the so-called ‘Patriot Way’ considers dispensable. The moment a player’s price tag exceeds their production, moves are made and the front office sends them along.  There’s always someone younger, hungrier, and cheaper to take their place. It’s a ruthless and unsentimental way of doing things, but I guess they can console themselves with their five Lombardi trophies.

I personally don’t feel that Ziggy has reached this point in Detroit, but clearly it’s not up to me. Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn will decide in the next week whether he’ll be one of the first casualties of the Patriot/Lion Way.

Next: Detroit Lions - Defensive line is still their top need

At the very least, having a stronger pass rush will be crucial if the Detroit Lions are going to reach double digit wins in 2018. Ziggy Ansah has been a cornerstone on the defensive line for the past five seasons. Holding onto him at least one more year should remain a priority.