Ndamukong Suh rumors: Dolphins to emerge as leaders?

By Cory Buck | Mar 4, 2015

Feb 22, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh takes in the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Miami Dolphins are reportedly interested in signing soon-to-be free agent Ndamukong Suh.

Ndamukong Suh figures to sign one of the richest non-quarterback contracts in NFL history once he hits free agency later in March. Just about every team with a modicum of salary cap space has been tied to Suh, along with a few who have gobs of such. Pro Football Talk recently suggested a new team that may take some by surprise. Their reasoning, however, at least makes a case for the team, even if nothing firm has come from them in that regard.

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“There’s talk that the [Miami] Dolphins will emerge as the leaders for Suh,” Mike Florio at PFT writes, “and that teams like the Raiders, Jaguars, and Buccaneers are being floated not as serious candidates but as leverage. Ultimately, it may come down to the Dolphins bidding against themselves as Suh and Sexton try to set the bar for defensive players as high as they can.”

Obviously there are several hurdles that could make such a deal more whimsy than reality. The first is Miami’s salary cap situation. The team only has about $10 million in cap space, which would easily be devoured by the first eight minutes of Suh’s potential contract. The Dolphins would have to look at major cuts in their roster, including defensive end Cameron Wake, whose release would save them around $7-8 million against the cap.

Secondly, the Dolphins don’t need a major investment in their defensive line as much as the other teams mentioned by Florio. Why would Miami give up the depth they have in their front seven just to make it a top heavy unit led by Suh?

There’s plenty of merit to the idea as well, of course. Cap space is a fickle creature and a creative GM can always work to get what he wants in a given year. Miami would also be a more attractive destination than Oakland, Jacksonville, or Tampa as the team sits on the cusp of playoff contention. Their quarterback situation is also better than any to be found in the other cities, but that could soon change given the young quarterbacks playing in those cities.

There’s no disputing that the Dolphins have been itching to make a move for some time now. Whether or not signing Suh is such a move is yet to be seen. If it is, expect Miami to have some tough decisions ahead in order to balance the books.

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