Seattle Seahawks sign Ziggy Ansah: Grade, reaction and more

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) plays defense during a regular season game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions on November 22, 2018 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) plays defense during a regular season game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions on November 22, 2018 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Pete Carroll’s team was looking for some pass rush help and may have gotten it with the signing of former Pro Bowl defensive end Ziggy Ansah.

Seattl led the NFL in rushing yards per game and quarterback Russell Wilson had another big year, the Seattle defense was inconsistent. It struggled to get off the field in the ‘Hawks 24-22 wild card loss at Dallas last season.

That defense still has question. While it had a respectable pass rush (43 sacks) to go with 26 takeaways, it was ranked 16th in total yards per game allowed. The organization dealt away defensive end Frank Clark and his team-high 13 sacks to the Kansas City Chiefs a few days before the draft. Now after using a first-round selection two weeks ago on TCU’s L.J. Collier, the Seahawks are taking a chance on former Detroit Lions’ defensive end Ziggy Ansah.

Contract Details

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ansah is set to sign a one-year contract with the Seahawks on Thursday.

National Reaction

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Grade

Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the addition of Ansah comes with a bit of a disclaimer:

This past season, the 29-year-old performer was limited to only seven games, making just two starts. He finished with 11 tackles and four sacks. In six seasons and 80 regular-season contests with the Lions, the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft has 48 sacks and 10 forced fumbles. And Ansah also has three QB sacks in two postseason contests with Detroit.

It’s tempting to give this an incomplete. But the 2015 Pro Bowler gets a slight benefit of the doubt based on his performances when healthy.

Grade: B-

The Seahawks were a much different team in 2018, relying on their offense more so than in years past. But the club still needs defensive playmakers. Carroll’s club is apparently hoping Ansah can eventually emerge as a factor as the season unfolds.