If there was not growing doubt in Detroit regarding the future of Ndamukong Suh before, there certainly is now. Suh is set to be a free agent at the end of the season after contract negotiations with the Lions failed over the summer. The defensive tackle wants to become the highest paid defensive player in the league and Detroit cannot figure out how to make the numbers work. After ignoring the media following a win over the New York Jets, it looks like Suh is ready to get out of the Motor City.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Suh is looking to "bolt" Detroit at the end of the season after the two sides have continuously failed at contract negotiations. The three-time Pro Bowler reportedly prefers to test free agency and see what team will offer him a top-dollar contract. Schefter reports that his preferred destination is New York with either the Jets or the Giants. ESPN reports that the defensive tackle has reportedly been discussing a move to the Big Apple in order to help with endorsements and boost his personal branding.
The idea that Suh would be leaving Detroit is certainly nothing new. The defensive tackle has had plenty of controversy in his tenure with the Lions. He was suspended for two games back in 2011 for a foot-stomping issue on Thanksgiving Day. He was fined three times in 2013 for poor tackling and making a throat-slashing gesture then-Cleveland quarterback Brandon Weeden. While his stats are certainly impressive with 28.5 sacks in 65 career games, many wonder if the Lions are attempting to separate themselves from the drama. Head coach Jim Caldwell would not discuss it.
"I'm not going to even go there," Caldwell said, via the Detroit Free Press. "And the big thing is, I do think that we just played a heck of a football game and I think that's what's important. These guys played well, did a great job and we just hope we continue to get them better, got a big one next week. . . .I can't answer or talk about any rumors or speculation or anything. I'm not going to answer those kinds of questions."
Detroit could also be losing another one of their big players up front. Nick Fairley did not get his fifth-year option picked up and can also head towards free agency in the summer. The Lions have been met with controversy from the former-first round pick after he appeared at training camp out of shape and unmotivated. He sat with second-string for most of the preseason before returning as a starter for Week 1. That could mean Detroit loses to of their biggest players up front, putting a big hole in the defense.
