Lions defenisive end Ziggy Ansah will play under the franchise tag this season
Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah will play the upcoming season under the team's franchise tag.
Detroit and Ansah did not agree on a long-term deal by yesterday afternoon's deadline, and he is now designated as a franchise player and will be an unrestricted free agent again next offseason.
He was originally drafted by the Lions in the first round in 2013 and last season he had 12 sacks, 39 solo tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 14 games.
Also, former MSU Spartan Le'Veon Bell will play under the franchise tag for a second straight year and likely his last with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pro Bowl running back and the defending A-F-C North champions failed to reach an agreement on a new contract yesterday's deadline, meaning he will hit the open market next spring.
The team will make another attempt to re-sign Bell, but another Pro Bowl-type season by Bell would likely make him too expensive.