Ndamukong Suh is concerned about becoming the highest-paid defensive player in free agency whether that includes returning to the Detroit Lions or not. However, the Lions have every intention of trying to get the defensive tackle to stick around for the long-term as they work through the numbers of the best way to achieve that. Already in cap space trouble, the Lions do not have all the means to re-sign Suh to a contract of his choice which could force the franchise tag on the defensive star.
The Lions were talking like a team ready to say goodbye to their former first-round pick after uncertainties came up about their ability to re-sign him in the offseason. However, general manager Martin Mayhew is looking at all options to keep Suh. According to the Detroit Free Press, the two sat down on Monday for a discussion regarding his future and while no numbers were tossed around, the two sides emphasized the meeting was productive.
The Free Press is reporting that part of that discussion was regarding Mayhew's willingness to use the franchise tag on the defensive tackle, a surprising decision considering it comes in at a one-year deal worth $26.7 million. That number could essentially end most offseason plans considering the Lions already have $40 million committed to just Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford next season. According to Mayhew, the team could still build a competitive roster even with the franchise tag on Suh, but it would mean that over half of the salary cap space would be committed to just three players.
If Suh is signed to the franchise tag, it will likely mean the end of the road for both Nick Fairley and Reggie Bush. Both players have announced their desires to return to Detroit next season. Bush went as far as to say he intends to be fully healthy come 2015. However, Detroit will be forced into some cap casualties and they would be the first.
It could also mean a trade is in the future for someone like Johnson. This is obviously a last-resort option, but the Free Press has stated it could be a possibility given his injuries lately and large salary cap hit. Every team in the league would love to bring Johnson on to the roster and considering the Lions got a lot out of Golden Tate this year, they could pull off the move. However, it is highly unlikely.