Gerald McCoy hopes Ndamukong Suh 'breaks the bank' in free agency
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said he hopes Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh "breaks the bank" when he signs a new contract, The Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett reports.
Suh is in the final season of his contract with the Lions and will be a free agent during the offseason. McCoy signed a seven-year, $98 million contract extension in October and said he wants his fellow lineman to get a big payday, too.
"When his contract do come, I hope he breaks the bank," McCoy said in a teleconference with Detroit reporters. "He's an awesome player, an All-Pro, Pro Bowl player. Was Rookie of the Year. Just a dominating force since he's been in the league. Everything that's coming to him, he deserves it."
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The Lions will have the option to use the franchise tag on Suh, but the nearly $27 million price tag makes that appear unlikely. After negotiations stalled earlier this year, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Suh was "preparing to move on" from the franchise.
Suh, 27, has spent his entire five-year career with the Lions since being the No. 2 pick in the 2010 draft. He has 4.5 sacks and 32 total tackles this season for a Detroit defense that ranks No. 1 in points allowed and No. 2 in yards allowed.
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The 26-year-old McCoy was the No. 3 pick in 2010 behind Suh. He has 8.5 sacks and 32 total tackles in 10 games this year.
The Lions (8-4) host the Buccaneers (2-10) on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
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