After not being able to reach an agreement on an extension early on during the year with Detroit, All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukung Suh was set to hit the open market. As an unrestricted free agent Suh would be able to sign anywhere he liked, but now it looks like he could be staying in Detroit long term.
According to multiple sources, the favorite for his landing spot is — Detroit.
The Lions have made it a high priority to re-sign Suh, despite the obvious price tag, especially with the Houston Texans’ J.J. Watt landing a $100 million deal last year without the leverage of free agency.
But the Lions have gotten positive vibes from Suh about wanting to continue his career where it started.
Salary-cap wise, though, it presents a challenge. One team source told ESPN that signing Suh would theoretically be the priority even if it meant losing star wide receiver Calvin Johnson. But the Lions believe they can manage to have both on the roster.
Cash is not a issue for the franchise, which allows for some manipulation of restructured contracts and guaranteed money.
This would be huge for Detroit to be able to keep Suh, because guys like him are not easily replaced. Suh is the type of defensive player that you build around and has been the cornerstone of the Lions defense since he was drafted.