The Detroit Lions have been projected to go multiple directions in the first round. Mock drafts have the team trading up for a wide receiver, trading up for a pass rusher or even trading up for secondary star. With interest in players like Jadeveon Clowney and Khalil Mack, it has been speculated the Lions were preparing to move on from star defensive player Ndamukong Suh. General manager Martin Mayhew is laughing off the idea.
The Suh trade rumors have been running wild for weeks now. The Detroit Lions are trying to negotiate a contract extension for the defensive tackle and things are not going well. As a result, Suh has skipped voluntary workouts, something that everyone from head coach Jim Caldwell to quarterback Matthew Stafford is downplaying as an issue. After bringing in both Clowney and Mack for workouts, Suh's future officially came in question.
Mayhew spoke to media and according to the Detroit Free Press, denied the team was in negotiations with anyone regarding a trade of Suh. He noted the defensive tackle would be signed to an extension and would remain with the team for years to come. Mayhew did confirm that one team called at the start of the offseason to gauge how high the price tag would be for Suh, but the general manager denied he was up for grabs altogether.
A trade of Suh is not crazy to consider. Yes, he is one of the most dominant players on defense in the NFL, but discipline issues and a huge salary cap hit make him expendable no matter what. He is set to make $12.55 in the coming year and is expecting a max contract after that, something Suh and the Lions cannot agree upon. While a trade is favorable in some regards, it would be impossible to put together. No team will take on that salary cap hit for a one-year rental.
Not trading Suh also likely takes out a trade up for Clowney or Mack. The Lions have considered the moves, but if they retain Suh there is no point in giving up draft picks for another player of the same position type. Getting either Clowney or Mack would require the Lions to give up a lot and trade into likely the top six picks. Retaining Suh makes the move a waste. The Lions could still trade up, but it will only be for a star wide receiver like Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans, a move the team is seriously thinking about.