Detroit Lions use franchise tag on Ezekiel Ansah

The Detroit Lions made a significant move on Tuesday when they announced they have placed a franchise tag on defense end Ezekiel Ansah.

As a result, the Lions will pay Ansah $17.5 million in 2018 when he signs his tender, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

If the Lions had not placed a franchise tag on Ansah, he would have become a free agent.

The two sides have until July 16 to negotiate a long-term deal before the one-year contract becomes Ansah's only option for the 2018 season.

Ansah demonstrated his value when he recorded 12.0 sacks, 44 total tackles (39 solo), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in the 2017 season despite missing two games with a back injury.

In 2015, he had 14.5 sacks, but he had just two sacks in 2016 while being bothered by a high ankle sprain that limited him to 13 games.

Ansah, 28, was the fifth overall pick of the 2013 draft and has been a starter throughout his five seasons with the Lions.

Ansah is the second player to be tagged this offseason. The Miami Dolphins became the first when they placed a franchise tag on wide receiver Jarvis Landry.