Ndamukong Suh isn’t planning to return to the Buccaneers and it looks like he’s publicly targeting the Raiders as a possible destination.
At 35 years old, Ndamukong Suh isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet. He’s also pretty much ruled out playing for the Buccaneers again in 2022.
So where will he land next?
Las Vegas seems to be his preferred destination.
Ndamakong Suh said playing for the Raiders “could be fun”
Raiders could be fun https://t.co/WfZZbWQf9P
— Ndamukong Suh (@NdamukongSuh) June 21, 2022
“Raiders could be fun,” Suh commented on Adam Schefter’s tweet about the defensive lineman likely leaving the Buccaneers on Tuesday.
Whether or not Vegas is mutually interested in Suh is up for debate. Tyler Dragon of USA Today reported that the “Raiders and Vikings have both had multiple conversations with the free-agent DT.”
There is mutual interest between the Raiders and Ndamukong Suh, per a source. Another team to keep an eye on is the Vikings. The Raiders and Vikings have both had multiple conversations with the free-agent DT.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) June 21, 2022
However, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Josina Anderson of CBS Sports told a different tale a little while later.
Anderson reported that “the Raiders are not currently in pursuit.”
While the market will continue to crystallize for Ndamukong Suh’s services as the season draws near, I’m told the #Raiders are not currently in pursuit, per league source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 21, 2022
Suh can provide value to any number of NFL defenses.
Bonsignore echoed that with a tweet saying right now “[Suh’s] interest does not appear to be mutual.”
Ndamukong Suh is expressing interest in playing for the @Raiders. For now, though, that interest does not appear to be mutual. Things can always change, though. My story: https://t.co/ScQhA8udBn
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) June 21, 2022
So which is it? Bonsignore is hooked into the Raiders and Anderson has good sources. The weight of their reporting on this one beats out Dragon’s.
Of course, both linked their understanding to the current moment. Things do change quickly in the NFL and Suh’s public interest could certainly open the door for conversations.
Suh is coming off a campaign in 2021 with six sacks and 13 QB hits. While he hasn’t been the All-Pro level player he was in the first half of his career, he’s been consistently productive over the last few years.
If the Raiders can afford him, the addition could make a major impact in the trenches. However, there should be serious competition for his services. If Las Vegas isn’t invested in the pursuit, don’t expect it to end in their favor.