Detroit Lions top 5 offseason priorities

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

1. Keep Ndamukong Suh in Detroit

It’s no big secret, Ndamukong Suh was the nucleus of the Lions defense in 2014, and before that even. Suh is an athlete unlike any other, and is one of the few players in the league that are undoubtedly irreplaceable.

Suh’s rookie contract expires five days after the Super Bowl, and free agency kicks off on March 10. Best case scenario for the Lions is to negotiate a long-term deal with Suh and his agent, Jimmy Sexton prior to the beginning of free agency, thus keeping Suh from hitting the open market. That may be wishful thinking, but a little hope never hurts.

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It was reported by Yahoo Sports that as many as 10 teams are interested in acquiring the Pro Bowl defensive tackle, including the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Oakland Raiders. There is no doubt that Suh is looking to be paid handsomely, and could possibly be seeking the biggest contract dollar wise for a defensive lineman in the league. J.J. Watt and Gereld McCoy both struck blockbuster deals this year, scoring contracts just short of the $100 million mark. Suh’s next contract will likely rival both of theirs.

The Raiders have the most cap room of the rumored teams, and could go all-in on him. The Lions however are keeping their names in the running and could also give Suh the deal he is looking for.

Mayhew via DetroitLions.com:

"“At any cost? No, I wouldn’t say that,” Mayhew said of signing Suh. “He certainly is a big priority for us and he’s been an important part of our football team the last five years. I think the world of him. “I had an opportunity to sit down and talk with him on Monday, we had a good conversation. We look forward to working with him to try to get a deal done.”"

The Lions also offer Suh something that many of the other teams cannot, the immediate ability to win games. Suh has also stated that there is a definite chemistry between himself and the other defensive lineman in Detroit. Hopefully that bond coupled with a large contract will be enough to keep Suh in Detroit.

If he does not return, the Lions will have a huge void to fill on defense.