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Detroit Lions president optimistic Ndamukong Suh re-signs

By Patrick Schmidt

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ndamukong Suh is scheduled to be one of the top free agents on the open market this offseason but Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand is confident in re-signing the Pro Bowl defensive tackle.

The Detroit Lions had one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2014 with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh leading the way for the No. 4 rush defense and No. 4 overall defense, but will he be back in 2015?

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Suh is entering free agency this offseason and is primed to cash in on a potential $100 million contract and become one of the game’s highest-paid players. Lions president Tom Lewand remains optimistic that the two parties will be able to come to terms on a deal to keep in in Detroit.

“He wants to have success in the NFL, obviously, but he wants to do that with us,” Lewand said, via the Detroit Free Press. “And I think that — I think there’s a very, very good chance that we can get something done with him in the next few weeks.”

Lewand cited extensions given to Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford and Pro Bowl wide receiver Calvin Johnson as one reason why they can ante up to keep their best defender on the roster and avoid having to play against him.

Speculation has centered around the fates of players currently on the roster who may have to be let go in order to placate to the salary demands for Suh, including Johnson who may have to have his contract reworked to stay under the salary cap, according to Chris Mortensen.

The Lions are confident that can keep their nucleus of Stafford, Johnson and Suh together, although Lewand acknowledges there will be some tough decisions ahead.

“We plan really well looking out into the future and where our salary cap goes,” Lewand said. “I think we can do that. I have no doubt that we can do that with Ndamukong. … You can’t keep everybody because it is a hard cap, but if you have a good nucleus of guys, then that draft every year comes through and you can keep adding good players to the mix.”

This is bad news for NFC North teams who look like they’ll still have to worry about Suh twice a year and the 31 other teams in the league who would be lining up around the block for a chance to sign the dominant interior linemen will have to look at other options in free agency and the draft for an impact tackle.

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