Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) sits on the bench before the game against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Giants beat the Lions 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions and Ndamukong Suh were not expected to come to terms on a contract extension before the start of free agency, but there has been a belief that the Lions won’t be able to make any splash moves without first addressing Suh’s $22.4 million cap charge by re-working his deal. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Suh and the Lions have not started contract negotiations yet, but he also reports that this won’t prevent them from being “active” in free agency, contradicting what most people, including Rapoport himself, initially thought.
It’s an interesting development, and it means that the Lions will have enough wiggle room to make upgrades at safety and/or wide receiver. Those are their two biggest needs, and they could also be in the market for cornerback help. The Lions have the draft to address positions such as their need for a No. 2 WR, and they have reported interest in elite strong safety T.J. Ward.
The Lions should be able to afford a couple of solid upgrades, but I don’t think they’ll be able to snag someone like Ward this offseason. It shouldn’t be ruled out, though, as he would be a big upgrade and allow Glover Quin to play free safety. The Lions also signed Joique Bell to a new deal today, so that’s one task out of the way.