Ziggy Ansah, Lions Reportedly 'Far Apart' in Contract Talks After Franchise Tag

After slapping the franchise tag on Ziggy Ansah earlier this offseason, the Detroit Lions are still working to get the defensive end under contract.

Whether it be via the franchise tag or an extension remains to be seen. It does not appear, however, that the former Pro Bowler will be signing on a dotted line anytime soon.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, contract talks between the player and team are so far apart that Ansah's camp expects him to play the 2018 season on the one-year franchise tag.

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft is set to enter his sixth season in Detroit. With free agency looming, the 6'5", 275-pound lineman is coming off one of his best seasons, recording 44 combined tackles and 12 sacks. It marked the second time in three seasons that he took down opposing quarterbacks at least a dozen times.

Had he hit the open market, he would have been in line for a big payday. After all, he has 44 sacks in his first five seasons, having recorded fewer than 7.5 just once in his career. The Lions knew he would be a coveted pass-rusher and made sure he would not get a chance to become an unrestricted free agent.

Ansah is currently in his native country of Ghana. Although he may not sign the tender before team activities begin, Lions general manager Bob Quinn is hopeful the 28-year-old defensive end will agree to terms by the time summer arrives.

"I hope he does," Quinn said, per Birkett. "I mean, it's something he never gave us any inclination that he wasn't going to when we talked to him."

According to Birkett, the Lions want new coach Matt Patricia to have a chance to work with Ansah before committing to him long-term. His injury history could also be impacting contract negotiations, although he has missed just seven games during his career.

Ansah is expected to sign the franchise tag at some point, and it doesn't appear as though he is holding his breath on getting a multiyear deal this offseason.