Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh anchors the top-ranked defenseman in the NFL right now. Suh's timing couldn't be better, as he is set to hit the free agent market following the season. As a result, it's possible that Suh could receive an even richer contract than Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who is the highest-paid defensive player.
The Lions should enjoy the remaining time they have with the star defensive tackle. Suh is reportedly interested in joining a bigger market team next year - such as one of the New York franchises - and Detroit has been preparing to move on without him. Applying the franchise tag to Suh would cost the team $26.7 million, a number they are apparently unwilling to pay.
Suh, 27, will likely be selected for his third first-team All-Pro honors when the season ends.
"It's not every year that a player of his caliber and pedigree reaches the open market," NFL.com's Chris Wesseling wrote. "For that reason, Suh is almost certain to top Watt's six-year, $100 million extension with the Texans."
No one doubts Suh's talent and ability. He has 32 sacks in 71 career games, and the Lions are only allowing 71.3 rushing yards per game this season, largely thanks to him. But we've seen what happens when defensive tackles get big money before.
The Washington Redskins gave Albert Haynesworth a seven-year, $100 million dollar deal after a breakout year with the Tennessee Titans in which he recorded 8.5 sacks. But Haynesworth was largely unproductive, and repeatedly clashed with coaches during his time in D.C. Several within the Redskins organization questioned his commitment.
Suh does not share those same work ethic concerns, but he has developed a reputation as a dirty player. He has been fined a total of $216,875 by the NFL for four illegal hits in his career. Whether that is indicative of some larger issue is up to a potential suitor to decide.
Suh's free agency will likely create a bidding war that includes teams such as the Jets, Giants, Cowboys and Bears.
