Detroit Lions hope to not use franchise tag on Suh

By Dave Fuqua | Jan 9, 2015

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) prior to facing the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he hopes to sing Ndamukong Suh to a long-term deal and avoid using the franchise tag.

According to a report from the Associated Press, Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he is hopeful he can get Suh to sign a long-term deal and avoid using the franchise tag on. Mayhew said he knows Suh likes to win and is hopeful that the Lions 11-5 record can help sway Suh into staying with the team.

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He also indicated that Suh has a good relationship with the Lions head coach Jim Caldwell. He pointed those out as a few of the positives that the Lions have as Suh can become a free agent this year.

“I had an opportunity to sit down and talk with him on Monday,” said Mayhew. “We had a good conversation. We look forward to working with him to try to get a deal done.”

While Mayhew indicated that the conversation with Suh went well Monday, he did not take any options off the table even though he said he would prefer to get a long-term deal done.

“We talked about that on Monday, had a good conversation with him,” Mayhew said. “He wants to be here and we want him to be here. As I said before, I think that’s a pretty good combination. We’ll see how it all plays out.”

Suh wants to stay in Detroit, but all too often we have seen how money can change a man’s desires. This is obviously the biggest looming question for the Lions as not only do they have Suh entering free agency, but also defensive tackle Nick Fairley. Suh will have a major impact on the rest of the plans that Detroit will have for this off-season as they try to improve upon this year’s first round playoff loss.

Suh was a major component of the Lions’ success as they finished the season No. 1 in rushing defense allowing a meager 3.2 yards per carry while only allowing 8 rushing touchdowns. With the physical prowess of the 6-foot-4 305 pound Suh clogging up the defensive front it is hard to imagine much getting past him.

H/T Associated Press

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