Lions pick up 5th-year option for 2017 on Ziggy Ansah

Ansah had 14 1/2 sacks last season and earned second-team All-Pro honours from The Associated Press. (Paul Sancya/AP)

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions have exercised the fifth-year option for 2017 on defensive end Ziggy Ansah.

The Lions drafted Ansah with the fifth overall pick in 2013, and he’s been one of the top young pass rushers in the game. He had 14 1/2 sacks last season and earned second-team All-Pro honours from The Associated Press. He also became the first Lions defensive end to be selected to the Pro Bowl since 2002.

Ansah has 30 sacks in three seasons.

The Lions also announced Monday that they have signed free agent linebacker Zaviar Gooden.

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