The top free agent hitting the NFL market on March 10 is likely to be defensive end Ndamukong Suh. Suh, after playing five terrific seasons with the Detroit Lions following his second-overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, is ready to cash in.
Throughout his career, Suh has amassed four first-team All Pro designations and four Pro Bowls, along with 36 sacks. The defensive tackle out of the University of Nebraska is reportedly letting his agent work out where he plays next, meaning money will talk.
Here are the most likely destinations for Suh:
Oakland Raiders – 50 percent
Oakland is a perfect fit for Suh. Beyond having a truckload of cap space ($55 million to be precise) the Raiders offer Suh the opportunity to play in a 4-3 scheme with the latitude to employ some of his rough tactics. Head coach Jack Del Rio is known as a players coach and made his bones on defense. Suh will get a hefty contract and could be playing in Los Angeles come 2016 if the city of Oakland doesn’t begin to seriously change its tune. Suh is a perfect match for the Silver & Black in a multitude of ways.
Miami Dolphins – 35 percent
Miami is the hot name for Suh right now, but there are still some substantial hurdles to clear. The Dolphins have been releasing receivers recently, including Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson. Mike Wallace could be next, but even with those moves, Miami is still tight against the cap. General manager Dennis Hickey will need to get creative, but the Dolphins are certainly attractive if he can. Miami is a great city and the team is playoff-ready, especially with Suh on board. There is a fair question if the Dolphins should invest more on the offensive side of the ball, giving help to fourth-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Detroit Lions – 10 percent
It is unlikely at this point, but Suh could return to the Lions if they go all out in pursuit. If Detroit fails to sign Nick Fairley to a long-term deal, general manager Martin Mayhew could get desperate and increase his offer to keep Suh in Motown. Suh is beloved in Detroit and is already familiar with the coaching staff, two major pluses. There will be no hometown discount involved, but the Lions still stand a chance of retaining Suh. If Detroit loses both Suh and Fairley, it is hard to see the Lions making a second consecutive trip to the playoffs.
New York Giants – 5 percent
Could New York swoop in and steal the show? There have been multiple reports stating the Giants are interested in the hulking defensive tackle, and it makes sense. New York could pair Suh with Jason Pierre-Paul along the line and become a devastating force for the linebackers and secondary to work behind. The Giants currently have $12.7 million under the cap, so signing Suh will be tricky. A splash move does not fit New York’s profile, but Suh is a special player.
