Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is reportedly leaning toward signing with Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports. News of Suh potentially hiring Jay Z for representation comes ahead of the expected upcoming negotiations for a contract extension between Suh and the Lions.
Suh left his previous representation on Wednesday and, after the NFLPA-mandated five-day waiting period passes, he is expected to sign with Roc Nation, Pro Football Talk reports.
"Per a league source, there's a growing sense that Suh will select Jay Z, at a minimum for Suh's off-field opportunities," Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote on Thursday. "It's unclear whether Suh would hire Roc Nation for all purposes, or whether Suh would hire Jay Z for marketing and another agency to negotiate his football contract."
Jay Z's two NFL clients both receive different levels representation from Roc Nation Sports. New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is represented solely by Roc Nation Sports, and New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz is represented by both Roc Nation Sports and CAA, which handled Cruz's recent contract negotiations.
CAA could be interested in representing Suh, whose teammate, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, is already represented by the agency.
Florio also reported additional evidence, albeit circumstantial, of a potential Suh-Jay Z connection.
"The source also tells PFT that Suh has been spotted at multiple Jay Z concerts in recent weeks. At a December concert in Nebraska, Jay Z wore a black Nebraska jersey with Suh's Cornhusker No. 93 and 'S. Carter' on the back," wrote Florio. "Jay Z also gave Suh ... a 'shout out' from the stage in Detroit on January 10."
Suh, the second round pick of the 2010 draft, signed a rookie deal with a voidable sixth year. Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said this week the team plans to complete a deal with Suh in the offseason, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Suh, 27, finished the 2013 season with 49 total tackles, one forced fumble and 5.5 sacks
