Report: San Francisco 49ers Expected To Sign Former BYU Defensive End Ziggy Ansah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former BYU defensive end Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah is expected to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Repoport.

Ansah potentially signing was reported by the NFL insider on Monday, September 21.

The Niners are reportedly flying Ansah to the East Coast for a meeting “with the expectation that he signs after going through COVID testing.”

Third time the charm: The #49ers are flying FA pass-rusher Ziggy Ansah to the East Coast to meet them with the expectation that he signs after going through COVID testing. He’s visited with them twice but the sides didn’t agree to a deal. Much more optimistic this time.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2020

San Francisco previously met with Ansah two other times before the East Coast flight.

On September 15, Rapoport tweeted about the second meeting between the Niners and the former BYU player.

“The #49ers visit with free agent pass-rusher Ziggy Ansah is over, source said,” Rapoport tweeted. “The two sides were unable to come to terms on a contract. Ansah will continue to wait for the right opportunity.”

The #49ers visit with free agent pass-rusher Ziggy Ansah is over, source said. The two sides were unable to come to terms on a contract. Ansah will continue to wait for the right opportunity.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2020

Prior to his second workout with organization, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Ansah.

“I’ve always been a fan of Ziggy, playing against him and stuff. He’s always been a real good player. With [defensive line coach] Kris [Kocurek] having such a good relationship with him over the years, coaching him in Detroit,” Shanahan told reporters. “We’ve always kept in contact with him and I don’t know what the plan is yet, but we’re bringing him in tomorrow to work him out. See where he’s at and we’ll see how it goes, but we’ll decide that tomorrow.”

The 49ers have been interested in adding Ansah for quite a while. The first meeting between the two parties was in early August.

This is interesting: Former #Seahawks pass-rusher and current free agent Ziggy Ansah is going through a physical and COVID-19 testing with the #49ers, sources say. Nothing is done, but SF gets a first look at a potentially high-end edge talent.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2020

However, San Francisco is now in desperate need of help on its defensive front after Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas both suffered injuries in the Niners’ 31-13 win over the New York Jets on September 20.

Ziggy Ansah is a D-lineman who’d roughly fill the Nick Bosa role for the 49ers (of course, not as effectively and with a smaller snap load, other D-linemen would have to pick up slack).

If the 49ers need a Dee Ford replacement in a similar vein, Clay Matthews might fit that mold

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 21, 2020

The 49ers (2-0) next game is against the New York Giants (0-2) on Sunday, September 27 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX.

Ziggy Ansah’s NFL Career

Following a three-year career at BYU, the Detroit Lions selected Ansah with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Ansah went on to play for the Lions from 2013-2018. During his time in Detroit, Ansah earned a selection to the Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro honors in 2015.

After an injury-riddled 2018 season, the Lions moved on from the defensive end. In May 2019, Ansah signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks. He helped Seattle reach the postseason in his only season with the team.

During his NFL career, Ansah has recorded 236 total tackles, 174 solo tackles, 50.5 sacks, 63 tackles for loss, 118 quarterback hits, 12 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries.

He’s appeared in 91 games and 3 playoff games. Ansah’s started 74 games in his seven seasons.

Ziggy Ansah’s BYU Career

Prior to his rookie year with the Lions, Ansah had a three-year college career from 2010-12 at BYU.

The Accra, Ghana native joined the Cougars’ football team as a sophomore. He’d previously tried out and was unsuccessful in making BYU’s men’s basketball team. He later joined the Cougars’ track team.

In 2010, Ansah successfully walked 0n to the football team.

During his three seasons with BYU football, Ansah played in 31 games, including nine starts.

He posted 72 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups, and 7 quarterback hurries during BYU career.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).