The Detroit Lions have designated defensive end Ziggy Ansah as their franchise player.

The Lions announced the decision Tuesday. Ansah http://www.billsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-russell-bodine-jersey , a first-round draft pick in 2013, has 44 sacks in five years with Detroit, including 12 this past season.

Ansah hasn’t played a full 16 games since the 2015 season, but while his health has been an issue, he can still be an elite pass rusher. He had three sacks in a game three times last season, against the Giants http://www.billsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-phillip-gaines-jersey , Bengals and Packers.

The franchise tag buys the Lions and Ansah until mid-July to reach agreement on a long-term contract. Otherwise, he’ll play on a one-year deal and make the average of the top five players at his position in 2018.

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MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-10)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: SS Michael Thomas, Walt Aikens and S Nate Allen; QBs Matt Moore and Jay Cutler; LBs Lamin Barrow and Koa Misi; G Jermon Bushrod; LS John Denney; TE Anthony Fasano; DEs Terrence Fede and William Hayes; K Cody Parkey; CB Alterraun Verner; RB Damien Williams; OT Sam Young.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB David Fales; LB Neville Hewitt; G Anthony Steen.

NEEDS: After backsliding in Year 2 under coach Adam Gase, Dolphins need starters at tight end, linebacker, receiver and perhaps two offensive line positions. They need more depth at running back and safety. Miami already made two significant moves http://www.billsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-marshall-newhouse-jersey , agreeing to trade receiver Jarvis Landry to Browns for two draft picks, and agreeing to acquire Rams edge rusher Robert Quinn for mid-round draft pick. But with severe salary cap constraints and mediocre pool of free agent talent, Dolphins are unlikely to be as aggressive in free agency as in recent years.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $4 million over.

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