The Detroit Lions exercised the fifth-year option on defensive end Ezekiel Ansah for the 2017 season.
The move had been expected, considering the price is a team-friendly $12.7 million.
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Ezekiel Ansah, defensive end from Bringham Young, holds up a Lions Jersey after the Detroit Lions select him as the #6 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25, 2013. UPI /Rich Kane | License Photo
Ansah, who turns 27 this month, was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl and earned second team All-Pro honors last season after leading the Lions in sacks with a career-high 14.5, which also ranked third in the NFL.
Ansah, the Lions' first-round (fifth overall) selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, became the team's first defensive end to be named to the Pro Bowl since 2002.
Ansah's career totals include 46 games (44 starts), 128 total tackles, 30 sacks, nine forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
The Lions also signed free agent linebacker Zaviar Gooden.
Gooden joins the Lions after spending the 2013-14 seasons with the Tennessee Titans, where he appeared in 24 games (three starts) and made 36 tackles.
