Dave Birkett discusses the Detroit Lions' decision to use a franchise tag on Ziggy Ansah. Dave Birkett/Detroit Free Press
Faced with the possibility of losing their best pass rusher in free agency, the Detroit Lions on Tuesday used the franchise tag to keep Ziggy Ansah off the open market.
The Lions announced the move on the eve of this week's NFL combine, where free-agent negotiations tend to ramp up as all 32 teams and the agents for most players converge in Indianapolis.
Ansah will make about $17.5 million if he plays on the tag this fall, though the two sides have until July 16 to reach agreement on a long-term contract.