Detroit Lions: 3 Bargain targets still available in 2019 NFL free agency

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 08: Charles Harris #90, Andre Branch #50 and Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate after sacking Matt Cassel #16 of the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter on October 8, 2017 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

2. DE Andre Branch (Released by Miami Dolphins)

Back in 2013, the Detroit Lions used the fifth overall pick in the draft that year on BYU defensive end prospect Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah. In six seasons with the franchise, the talented performer has racked up 48 sacks (totaling 10-plus QB traps in 2015 and 2017) and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015.

But this past season, playing under the franchise tag tender, he managed only seven outings (two starts) and was limited to just four sacks. In each of his first five seasons in the league, Ansah made a minimum of starts.

The six-year veteran remains on the free-agent market as health still seems to be a question mark for the 29-year old pro. This offseason, the Lions sunk big money into defensive end Trey Flowers, who head coach Matt Patricia is more than familiar in the duo’s dealings with the New England Patriots. But the Lions could still use some help at the other end spot and adding some depth would be a plus as well.

Veteran Andre Branch was released by the Miami Dolphins this offseason after an underwhelming 2018. A second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012, he spent the last three year with the ‘Fins and managed a combined 11.5 sacks over that span. He could wind up being quite the bargain at this stage of the offseason game.

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