Not much is specifically known about the future of Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s football career. It is known that, as of Friday, his rookie contract voided. Which means that, absent a new deal or application of the franchise tag, the second overall pick in the 2010 draft will become an unrestricted free agent on March 10.
Via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions and Suh have yet to commence talks aimed at extending his stay. Within the past week, Lions CEO Tom Lewand declared that the team has a “very, very good chance” of striking a deal with Suh within the next few weeks. If talks have yet to even begin, that seems like an unrealistic goal.
In those discussions, Suh holds all the cards, because his pre-wage scale rookie deal coupled with can-kicking restructurings made his cap number so high in 2014 that it would cost the Lions $26.8 million to apply the one-year franchise tag to keep him around for one more year. Last month, G.M. Martin Mayhew said all options are on the table with Suh, including the use of the tag.
While the tag may be on the table, it’s likely in a far corner that’s impossible to reach. The year-to-year game of tag with Suh would quickly spiral out of control for the Lions, with $26.8 million in 2015 becoming $32.16 million in 2016 -- and $46.3 million in 2017. That’s nearly $59 million over two years, and more than $105 million over three.
Whenever talks commence between the Lions and Suh, the player’s ability to earn nine figures in three years will loom over the negotiations. Which could make it very difficult for the Lions to strike a deal without Suh knowing what other teams would offer.
Officially, Suh can entertain other offers as of March 7, three days before the new league year begins. Unofficially, interested teams will begin making their intentions known soon -- by time the Scouting Combine commences at the latests.
Suh has said that he’ll allow agent Jimmy Sexton to pick Suh’s next destination. Despite that somewhat unusual admission from Suh, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report recently said Suh wants to play for the Seahawks.
Ultimately, Suh likely won’t be agreeing to terms until he knows: (1) who is interested; and (2) how much they’ll pay. If Suh was telling the truth when he said his agent will pick the player’s next team, Suh undoubtedly will end up playing for the highest bidder. If Suh ultimately decides to interject his own opinion regarding whether it’s worth taking less to go to one specific location, then maybe the highest bidder won’t secure his services.
Either way, it’s unlikely that this one will be wrapped up any time soon -- unless the Lions decide to apply the franchise tag and embark on a path that would see Suh become the highest paid player in the game over the next two seasons.
