Detroit Lions fans better get their goodbyes in now, because defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh likely won't be around much longer. Suh's rookie contract will void shortly after the Super Bowl, and keeping the four-time All-Pro around in Detroit via the franchise tag would cost an astronomical $26.745 million in 2015. I think the Lions would consider suffering through another 0-16 season before committing that type of money to a non-quarterback.
So, with Suh on his way out of town, the question is where will he end up? Here are five good landing spots for the dominant DT:
1. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are set to have the most salary cap space in the NFL this offseason. Plus, they're the Raiders. Spending inappropriately has become a staple in Oakland (I'm not judging; I'm a Redskins fan). A front seven that features Suh and linebacker Khalil Mack would be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. A Suh signing would also generate some much-needed buzz for a franchise that hasn't enjoyed a winning season since 2002.
"The Raiders aren't just one player away from competing, but the fit makes sense," ESPN's Field Yates wrote. "From the team side, new head coach Jack Del Rio led a defense in Jacksonville (where he was head coach from 2003 to 2011) that at its best was run through its defensive tackles: John Henderson and Marcus Stroud, both high first-round picks. The Raiders, using a very conservative estimate of a 2015 salary cap of $140 million, will have north of $50 million in cap space."
Not for nothing, but starting defensive tackle Antonio Smith is 33 years old. The position could use an upgrade, and Suh would be the biggest upgrade of all.
2. Cleveland Browns
Okay, I'm now realizing that every team in the league could use a player of Suh's caliber, so this "best fit" idea is kind of moot. Still, the Browns do make a lot of sense. They'll have the necessary cap space ($50 million-plus) and they could pair him with nose tackle Phil Taylor (as the Lions did with Nick Fairley in a way) to turn the defensive line into a major strength.
"Suh is best cast as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but that isn't to say he couldn't play in a 3-4 defense, which Cleveland runs," Yates wrote. "Also, in a pass-friendly league, many teams spend significant snaps in sub-defense (five defensive backs or more), where Suh would be able to rush from his 3-technique alignment (outside of the guard). The Browns had the NFL's worst run defense in 2014 and managed just 27 sacks. The front seven needs to improve next season."
3. Cincinnati Bengals
Geno Atkins and Suh on the same defensive line? Mind = blown.
Sure, Atkins struggled this season after returning from a 2013 ACL tear, but he's only 26 and should be back in full force next season. The Bengals have to know by now that quarterback Andy Dalton isn't going to be carrying them to the Super Bowl anytime soon. So, might as well build up the rest of the team, am I right?
"The Bengals relied heavily on [Atkins, Domata Peko] from a snap-count standpoint, but adding an impact player like Suh to a team that needs to get back to business defending the run (which dropped from fifth to 20th in the NFL from 2013 to 2014) makes some sense," Yates wrote. "For a defense that runs through its line, Suh would make the Bengals, who have over $30 million in cap space, scary. Cincinnati doesn't normally spend big on outside free agents, so this would buck a trend."
4. Chicago Bears
The Bears need help all over their defense. Any addition at any position would likely be considered an upgrade. But according to Adam Schefter, the Bears might have their eyes set on Suh. Chicago would offer Suh the big market he's reportedly looking for, and he can anchor a defense that is sure to improve under new head coach John Fox.
"Veteran Jeremiah Ratliff had a nice bounce-back season in 2014, but he has just one year left on his deal," Yates wrote. "The team drafted a pair of defensive tackles in Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton last year, the latter of whom adds some pass-rushing juice from the interior. But Suh would be a difference-maker for a defense that needs a facelift at all three levels."
5. Detroit Lions
I mean, it makes sense from an X's and O's standpoint. The best fit for Suh would be to remain where he has had all of his success up to this point. That doesn't mean it's going to happen, but it's still worth noting.
"It may be unlikely, but clearly Suh would be a dominant force if he returned to Detroit. A long-term deal would likely have to be led by a low 2015 cap number. When the Saints signed coveted safety Jairus Byrd last offseason, they structured his contract with a low cap number for the first season ($3.5 million), accomplished in part through a significant signing bonus, a minimal base salary in 2014 and then a large roster bonus in 2015."
