Detroit Lions: 5 Burning Free Agency Questions

Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

How will they replace Ndamukong Suh?

Let’s get straight to the point. How?! Why?!

How did the Detroit Lions allow a player of Ndamukong Suh’s caliber hit free agency? And why did they let it happen?

Yes, Suh was always going to be expensive. But players like him don’t come around every day, and the Lions’ loss looks like it’s going to be the Miami Dolphins’ gain:

You can’t blame the Lions for not paying that amount of money. For a defensive tackle, that is an expensive bill. To put it into some perspective, Aaron Rodgers‘ contract with the Green Bay Packers totals $110 million with $54 million guaranteed. Rodgers is arguably the best player in the league, at the most important position in football. Paying Suh more than Rodgers is a risky move for the Dolphins.

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

The Lions did the right thing in not paying that sum for Suh. Where they went wrong was not preventing him from getting anywhere near March 10 without committing his long-term future to the Lions.

Barring a miracle, Suh will be heading south to Miami. The Lions will need to move on.

How can they do so? Well, they have options in free agency. First of all, they must bring back Nick Fairley. Losing both Suh and Fairley could be devastating to the defense.

Following that, Denver’s Terrance Knighton, Chicago’s Stephen Paea and Arizona’s Dan Williams would be good options for the Lions.

If they turn to the draft, Florida State’s Eddie Goldman and Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips could be first-round candidates.

Next: Help on the way in the run game?