Former Detroit Lion Ezekiel Ansah is now a free agent. The six-year veteran has been with the Lions his entire career. It's unlikely that the team will pay big dollars to retain him. Last season for the Lions he only played in seven games, starting just two. He did amass 4.0 sacks and 11 tackles but was put on IR because of his shoulder struggles.
Ansah told the Detroit Free Press:
“I wouldn’t wish (what I’ve gone through) upon nobody. I’m just happy that I’ve been better over the weeks and I’m just looking forward to keep improving… I get (that fans are frustrated) and that only tells me how much love they got for me. They just want me to come out there and play and that’s what I’m going at. I come in here every single day just to get better and be out there and play with the boys.”
Ansah's struggles got to the point where the team knew he needed the rest of the season to recover.
He almost broke the franchise record with 14½ sacks in 2015. However, since then he has been unable to stay healthy. In 2016, Ansah had two sacks while missing time with a high ankle sprain. Last season he had 12 sacks, but had a knee injury that needed offseason surgery.
The 29-year-old pass rusher earned a rating of 74.5 per Pro-Football Focus, ranking very good in pass rushing, run -stopping and in coverage. He's a versatile defensive player that is primarily a strong pass rusher.
An unrestricted free agent after the season, Ansah, who's playing this year on the one-year franchise tag of $17.1 million. He won't play under the tag again, hence why he's pursuing free agency.
Ansah is a part of a free agent class that's pretty healthy with pass rushers. DeMarcus Lawrence and Jadaveon Clowney are both high-end pass rushers, as well as Za’Darius Smith as Asnah as more cost-effective options.
There are three teams that could use Ansah. Pass rushers are valuable and hard to come by. Who should take a bet on Ansah this upcoming offseason?
3.) Green Bay Packers
The Packers this past season had a very disappointing season. It was one plagued with injuries and a midseason coaching change. Now, with the team under the direction of Matt LaFleur, the defense desperately needs some new blood in the lineup. Clay Matthews is getting older, and the team needs to invest their money more wisely.
Ansah would provide an excellent pass-rushing option for the Packers. They haven't had a dynamic edge rusher since Julius Peppers left for the Carolina Panthers two years prior. After nearly a season off for Ansah, he should be back in full health for the long term.
2.) Oakland Raiders
The Raiders last season had the worst front seven in the NFL Pro-Football Focus ranked it 32nd overall, last in the entire league. They allowed 140.6 rushing yards per game, which ranked 30th overall. They had a combined 13 sacks on the entire year. Jon Gruden first priority should be to bolster their depth, and quickly.
Adding Ansah would be the first move of many to add to the roster. He would provide pass rushing alongside someone like Ndamukong Suh. They both have experience playing with each and would provide a two-headed pass rush and run stopping monster of sorts. At the very least, Ansah would provide immediate help at the point of attack.
1.) Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals finished last season as the worst team in the league, earning them the top pick in the draft. They'll very likely draft Nick Bosa out of Ohio State. However, that won't be quite enough to add to their defensive line. Adding another talent in free agency would solidify their position.
Ansah would fit in perfectly in Arizona. With the combination of Bosa, Ansah and Chandler Jones, head coach Kliff Kingsbury could keep Ansah on the field only when necessary. He would become a deadly third down weapon off the edge and could diversify their defensive scheme even further.
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