The Detroit Lions and Ndamukong Suh are preparing to part ways at the end of the season, but the team is denying any idea that they will do so sooner rather than later. With the NFL trade deadline just 24 hours away, Suh is a hot name on the market for contending teams looking for a boost on defense heading into the second half of the season. However, an injury to another big defensive star for the team is forcing Detroit to not even consider a trade no matter what the offer is.
The Lions might have gotten the comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons, but it came at the price of Nick Fairley. The defensive tackle went down in the first half of the game out in London after he collided with Suh while attempting to pressure Matt Ryan. The end result was Fairley's leg folding underneath him and the defensive tackle getting helped off the field. According to head coach Jim Caldwell, Fairley's knee injury is "bad." Peter King's MMQB.com confirmed that the injury could mean Fairley is out for the season despite the team's optimism surrounding the issue.
If Fairley is out for the season, that puts a big strain on the Lions' defense and makes Suh more important than ever. Even if the Lions were not considering a trade before, they cannot even begin to consider one now. The team remains in contention for the playoffs and with Fairley out, pressuring the quarterback comes down to Suh. A trade is simply not an option. According to general manager Martin Mayhew, the Lions are not expected to make any moves at the deadline including answering the phones for interest in Suh.
The defensive tackle intends on becoming the highest paid defensive player in the league, which could make his free agency very messy. Suh meets that level with his talent, but off the field issues have clouded his productivity. Suh has been dealt multiple fines and suspensions for issues on the field in regards to tackling and aggressive play. That could very well hurt his stock come next offseason. However, a successful stint as the man in charge with Fairley out could help his future.
