Report: Colts, Dolphins to make strongest pushes for Ndamukong Suh
The Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins are expected to "make the strongest pushes" for defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh when he becomes a free agent next week, reports Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports.
NFL teams can begin contract negotiations with impending unrestricted free agents on Saturday, but deals cannot be agreed upon until March 10. Suh's next contract could exceed $60 million, reports Yahoo Sports. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt currently holds the NFL's contract record for a non-quarterback after signing a six-year, $100 million deal prior to last season with $51.8 million guaranteed.
• Given checkered past, is Ndamukong Suh worth the risk?
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Suh made a $12.5 million base salary from the Detroit Lions last season, the last of the five-year, $68 million contract he signed after being drafted second overall in 2010.
According to Yahoo Sports, Suh's camp has a "slight preference" for the Dolphins. The Lions also aren't considered far behind.
Suh, 28, recorded 53 tackles and 8.5 sacks for the Lions last season, his fifth in the NFL. The Lions ranked first in rushing defense (69.3 yards allowed per game) and second in total defense (300.9 yards)
• Free-agent pass rushers set to draw the most attention
Suh, a four-time Pro Bowler, has appeared in 16 games in every season except for 2012, when he missed two games for a suspension after stomping on the arm of then-Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith.
The Lions elected not to use their franchise tag on Suh earlier this week. The New York Giants reportedly are considering pursuing Suh, but are also projected to have only $13 million in cap space.
- Mike Fiammetta
