:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63224663/898087118.jpg.0.jpg)
While the Detroit Lions have been busy spending crazy money on new players, there hasn’t been much of any news regarding their own free agents. However, that appears to have chanced, as the Lions biggest free-agent-to-be Ezekiel Ansah apparently has a couple of teams interested.
According to Ian Rapoport, Ansah will meet with both the Bills and the Saints this week.
#Lions free agent pass-rusher Ziggy Ansah, one of the top pass-rushers on the market, has visits set with the #Bills and then the #Saints, sources say. Both quite interested. The physical is important, as he’s recovering from shoulder surgery.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019
Due to NFL tampering rules, neither team can meet with Ansah face-to-face until free agency officially opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Obviously, both teams have concerns about Ansah’s shoulder after the Lions defensive end tore his labrum, requiring surgery.
It’s unclear how much teams are willing to risk on the pass rusher. When healthy, Ansah has been one of the most productive edge defenders in the league. However, his laundry list of injuries over the past couple years makes him a significant risk. Teams are typically willing to spend a lot on an elite pass rusher, but Ansah’s value has to be seriously impacted by his lack of availability.
One thing seems for certain: the Lions, after agreeing to sign Trey Flowers to a five-year deal, are preparing to move on from their former first-round pick.