Lions' Ansah to 'see how this season goes' before discussing extension

The Detroit Lions made sure star defensive end Ziggy Ansah wouldn't be going anywhere for the foreseeable future by picking up his fifth-year option Monday.

Ansah is under contract through the 2017 season, however, the 26-year-old wasn't prepared to commit his future to the franchise when asked Thursday if he was interested in signing a long-term deal with Detroit.

"As of right now, I think you've got to take it step by step," he said, according to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press. "You've got to see how this season goes, and I'm just looking forward as far as having a great season for the team."

That doesn't mean a contract extension isn't in Ansah's future, but with elite pass-rushers in demand more than ever, it appears he's keeping his options open.

Anash is set to earn $2.94 million in 2016 and just over $12.7 million under the option in 2017. New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon was handed a monster deal in free agency that averages $17 million, despite his recent production being dwarfed by Ansah's.

However, Ansah isn't focusing on what Vernon's market-altering deal could mean for his future contract.

"I'm not really paying attention to that right now," Ansah said. "I'll be here for a couple more years, as of now. I'm excited to be part of this organization."

If Ansah can build upon a breakout season in 2015, in which he racked up 14.5 sacks, and join the ranks of the NFL's elite defensive players, it's likely he'll earn a deal that exceeds Vernon's - whether it's from the Lions or another franchise.