All signs are now pointing towards Ndamukong Suh leaving the Detroit Lions this coming offseason. The two sides have failed multiple times to negotiate a contract extension for the defensive tackle and now it looks like Suh is going to take the hint and simply head off to free agency in hopes of becoming the highest-paid defensive player in the league. Letting Suh walk away means the Lions get nothing in return for a former first-round pick meaning they could make the first move in regards to his future.
ESPN is reporting that Detroit and Suh are preparing to part ways at the end of this season. The Lions have reportedly thrown in the towel with the contract negotiations and are ok with letting the Pro Bowler leave the team. The former No. 2 overall draft pick in 2010 has been rumored to be one for some time now. Suh's NFL career has certainly come with controversy including multiple fines and a two game suspension for a stomping incident on Thanksgiving Day. Suh wants to be the highest paid player meaning he will be looking for a contract higher than the six-year, $100 million deal that JJ Watt signed in the offseason with the Houston Texans. That is the bar.
Despite the fines and suspensions, Suh has plenty of value in the NFL meaning Detroit could seek out a mid-season trade for the defensive tackle if need be. Chances are high they at least answer the phones if someone else calls. Any contending team will want an upgrade like Suh for the postseason. The Lions have talent at the spot to replace him. Both Ziggy Ansah and CJ Mosley have shined this season and can make up for the absence of Suh if a deal were to occur.
According to the New York Post, Suh is interested in joining one of the New York franchises. The defensive tackle is seeking out endorsement deals and believes the bigger market teams will help build his brand. ESPN's Adam Schefter believes the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys will also be players for Suh if they are still in the hunt come the mid-season trading time.
There is always a chance that the Lions do not let Suh hit the market. They could change their minds and give the defensive tackle a one-year franchise tender worth $26.7 million. General manager Martin Mayhew told reporters during the offseason that he would not rule out the idea if it was their only option.
