Ndamukong Suh is hitting free agency at the right time. While the Detroit Lions want to bring their star defensive tackle back, they are going to receive stiff competition on the open market from the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts according to reports.
Yahoo Sports reported Suh's desire to eventually become a billionaire, and rumored details of a potential contract with the Dolphins may put him on his way. His next contract could potentially exceed $60 million in guarantees, surpassing the deal Texans defensive end J.J. Watt received last offseason. If he gets that much money, Suh will become the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.
In order to guarantee such a hefty salary, the Dolphins might need to do some salary cap gymnastics. Based on OvertheCap.com projections, the Dolphins only have $9,524,826 to work with, and they reportedly do not want to cut wide receiver Mike Wallace, who is set to make $9.8 million in 2015. Sources believe that the Dolphins are expected to push Miami's lack of a state property tax when they talk with Suh, perhaps convincing him that his contract has built in value if he lives in Miami.
The Indianapolis Colts have also been mentioned as a team willing to go hard after Suh, and their cap situation is a lot cleaner. Overthecap.com has their number at $41,285,186; that number is large enough to absorb a major salary, even if defensive line is just one of several holes the Colts need to fill.
Suh is a force against the run, and the biggest reason the Lions defense rank No. 1 in the league in that category. He has been a devastating pass rusher as well, tallying 22 sacks over the past three seasons.
Suh has downside as well, though. He's characterized as one of the NFL's dirtiest players, and has been suspended more than once for stomping on players on the field. Any incidents involving Suh will generate major attention, and could lead to larger suspensions because of his history.
[Yahoo]
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