NFL free agency is capitalism at its finest. Self-interest rules this free market landscape and allows top tier players to cash in big time. Perhaps no other player is as ripe for a massive contract than Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
Suh still has one more year remaining on his contract, but it is expected that he will opt out of his deal to test the open market this offseason. As one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL, it's no surprise that teams with cap space are lining up to woo him.
"The sources told Yahoo Sports there could be as many as 10 teams interested in making titanic pitches to Suh," wrote Charles Robinson.
"Among those in play, the sources said, if Suh hits the open market? The Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders - the three teams expected to have the most cash to spend in free agency.
"The New York Jets were also expected to show interest...The Falcons were also named as a team that is expected to be interested."
Robinson spoke of other sources who said that the Lions are "keeping the [franchise tag] option on the table." However, that route seems unlikely, as it would cost the team an astronomical $26.7 million for 2015.
Detroit's approach to Suh will ultimately impact the team's other free agents as well.
"Reports before the season suggested the Lions and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh were preparing for a divorce following the season," wrote ESPN's Mike Sando. "Suh is signed through 2015, but he can void the final year of the deal. Using the franchise tag would cost the team roughly $27 million in cash and salary-cap space in 2015. Suh's contract would count $9.7 million against the cap in 2015 even if the team does not re-sign him, thanks to a pattern of renegotiation that has pushed cap damages into the future. Is there a realistic way to keep him? Defensive tackles Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley can also become free agents. Bottom line: This position will be central to the Lions' offseason."
Suh finished this past season with 53 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
