According to Lions.com's Tori Petry, the team has assigned the franchise tag to defensive end Ezekiel Ansah.
The tag is worth $17.5 million to the 28-year-old end. he has been very inconsistent at times, but this will give the team time to reevaluate the former top-5 pick further. The sides have until July 16th to iron out a long-term deal.
Last season, Ansah contributed 39 tackles, 12 sacks and a forced fumble in 14 starts.
Source: Tori Petry, Lions.com