Lions Have Expressed Interest In Opening Extension Talks With DE Ziggy Ansah

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that the Lions have expressed interest in open extension talks with DE Ziggy Ansah at some point. However, the two parties have yet to begin any negotiations regarding a new deal.

Outside of QB Matthew Stafford, Ansah figures to be the Lions’ top priority to get locked up to a new a contract at some point before he’s a free agent next year.

Ansah, 27, was taken with the No. 5 overall pick by the Lions back in 2013. He played out the final year of his four-year, $18.595 million rookie contract before the Lions picked up his fifth-year option last May.

Ansah stands to make a base salary $12.7 million for the 2017 season, but this figure is guaranteed only for injury and won’t prevent them from working on a long-term extension over the next year.

In 2016, Ansah appeared in 13 games for the Lions and recorded 34 tackles and two sacks while dealing with some injuries. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 51 edge rusher out of 109 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding a new deal for Ansah as the news is available.