Elite talents don't often hit the open market in the NFL. But that just might be the case with Detroit Lions' defensive tackle, Ndamukong Suh.
Suh, a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, is in the final year of his rookie contract. Currently, extension talks with the Lions have been suspended until after the season.
Some think that free agency is the next step for the dominant defensive tackle, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported.
"There have been no talks since before training camp began and, league sources said, the demands by Suh were very steep," wrote La Canfora. "Some league sources believe Suh is headed to the market in 2015, with the Lions -- already absorbing massive contracts for Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson -- very tight against the cap in recent years. And the franchise tag is not considered an option (Suh counts $22.4M against the cap this season and franchising him for one year, at around $27M, isn't feasible for the Lions, sources said)."
Detroit still hopes to retain Suh amid their financial restrictions.
"Sources said the Lions remain optimistic about him staying and are very enthused about his start to the season," La Canfora wrote. "But there is a growing sense in conversations with numerous execs and agents around the league, including many who have been in contact with Suh's representatives, that striking a deal prior to the start of free agency will be very difficult."
Suh is considered one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, and is a large reason why the Lions are currently ranked second against the run. However, Suh's reputation as a dirty player could potentially affect his value on the open market. The former Nebraska Cornhusker has been flagged several times for personal fouls, including vicious hits on then-Cleveland quarterback Jake Delhomme, Jay Cutler, Matt Schaub and others. These penalties have led to numerous fines from the league.
Suh has recorded eight tackles and one sack so far this season.
