Thursday open thread: Should the Lions consider bringing back Ezekiel Ansah?

The Detroit Lions got their pass rusher of the future by aggressively pursuing Trey Flowers in free agency. It may have cost them a lot, but they got a player who has been extremely productive for most of his career and at an age where he’s still in the prime of his career.

But as the saying goes, you can never have enough pass rushers. The Lions didn’t re-sign Ezekiel Ansah and haven’t shown any indications that they’re interested in throwing him an offer in free agency. However, Ansah hasn’t drawn much attention. There were reports that Ansah had meeting scheduled with the Saints and Bills, but there hasn’t been much buzz since that news last week.

With medicals being extremely important for Ansah, seeing as he ended the season with a season-ending shoulder injury the reportedly required surgery, it’s impossible to know what Ansah is going to get on the open market. However, with so much uncertainty surrounding his ability to stay healthy for 16 games, there’s a good chance a team could get him at a discounted price.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

Should the Lions consider bringing in Ansah on a discounted deal?

My answer: No. It’s time for a clean break.

I love Ansah, and it’s frustrating injuries robbed Ansah of the prime years of his career. At no point do I blame Ansah for the injuries or the insane notion that he was faking or being too sensitive.

But at this point, the Lions have a good pass rusher, they have an opportunity to add solid depth in the draft. There is just no reason to risk any kind of cap space on Ansah anymore. I wish him the best, and I’d love to see him go on and regain some of that magic he had back in 2015, but if the Lions are going to be responsible with their money, there’s just no reason to spend it on Ansah.

Your turn.