Detroit Lions: 5 Offseason Moves to make if Suh leaves

6 of 6

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) runs for a touchdown as USC Trojans defensive tackle Cody Temple (98) and Cornhuskers offensive lineman Mike Moudy (74) look on during the third quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Protect the cap and use the draft

If Suh does indeed leave, the worst move the Lions could possibly make would be to overspend on a number of ‘big name’ free agents. Of course, free agency provides a great opportunity to improve weaker areas of your roster, but it’s important not to break the bank.

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

Doing so suggests panic, and can put the team in a ‘Super Bowl or bust’ scenario that doesn’t normally end well. Financially, it can be devastating down the line. Look no further than the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints sacrificed their future in order to give Drew Brees as talented a team as possible. Well, they’ve just received the bill and it’s expensive. They are currently $16.38 million over the cap, and that is after the release of Pierre Thomas.

The Lions have a healthy salary cap, so they don’t need to worry about that just yet. The temptation would be there, however, to bring in a number of expensive free agents to replace Suh. Finding the mix of re-signing their own key free agents and adding a couple from other teams is important, but the focus should be on finding future stars in the draft.

With or without Suh, the Lions have a talented roster. Losing him would be a major blow to the team, that’s unquestionable. But by making the right moves in free agency and through the draft, the Lions can limit the damage and grow as a football team as they look to earn consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 1995.

Oh, and of course… there’s the possibility that Suh just re-signs…

Next: Detroit Lions: 3 First-Round Targets

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Detroit Lions