The Miami Dolphins are set to sign Ndamukong Suh to a contract when free agency opens on Tuesday, meaning the defensive lineman will leave the Detroit Lions and ESPN reports that the deal is worth $114 million with $60 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid defensive player in football over JJ Watt.
Suh was considered to be the top free agent on the market and while the Lions made "competitive offers" for the lineman, he is planning to sign to the Dolphins. Yahoo Sports reported over the weekend that the deal for Suh to Miami was "all but certain" and now he will take his talents to the AFC East where he will see Tom Brady twice per season. Miami released Brian Hartline, Dannell Ellerbe and Brandon Gibson this offseason and that helped clear space to sign Suh.
The six year deal will pay him guaranteed money over the first three years and the average will be $19 million over the contract, according to ESPN sources. Suh was looking for major money and the lure of a state without state income tax likely was hard to beat, especially for the Oakland Raiders, as California has one of the highest in the nation. Suh comes into the offseason after putting up 8.5 sacks and helping the Lions rank first in rushing yards allowed per game last season.
According to ESPN.com, the Lions made an offer of $17 million a year with $58 million guaranteed over six years, but Suh opted to sign with the Lions. The Lions could have used the franchise tag on Suh, but that would have cost the team over $25 million and that was simply unmanageable. Suh cost $22 million on the cap for the Lions last season and now Detroit may try to keep Nick Fairley, who is also hitting free agency.
