DT Ndamukong Suh Free Agency Fits: Raiders, Colts, Seahawks

Oct 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) pressures New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

There is no question that defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is arguably the best player set to hit NFL free agency.  That was reinforced after news broke that the Detroit Lions have no plans to exercise their right to use the franchise tag, which would’ve paid Suh over $27 million for 2015.

There is still hope the Lions may be able to work something out but rest assured they won’t be able to pay Suh what other teams can.  The 28-year old is the best at his position in the league, coming off his 4th Pro Bowl season in which he had 53 tackles and 8.5 sacks.  Somebody is going to pay up for that kind of production.

Oakland Raiders

This fit really is a natural one.  The Oakland Raiders have the second-most salary cap space in the league at present and will run primarily out of the 4-3 defense under new head coach Jack Del Rio.  They have an emerging star in edge rusher Khalil Mack but need somebody on the interior who can help push the pocket up the middle.

That is what Suh does best.  Pairing him with Mack would give the Raiders an excellent core to build around.  The trick will be convinced the free agent that the team will win since the Raiders haven’t done so for 13 years.

Indianapolis Colts

Initial rumors indicated that Suh wants to join a team that sits in a big media market like New York, L.A. or Chicago.  However, a compromise may be possible if a Super Bowl shot is realistic.  That is why the Indianapolis Colts are most definitely a threat.  They are coming off an AFC championship appearance and feature one of the brightest young stars in the game in Andrew Luck.

What they are missing is a toughness and attitude on defense that has shown up multiple times against teams like New England.  Plugging Suh into their defensive front would be just the injection they were looking for.  The fact they have over $45 million in cap space doesn’t hurt the cause either.

Seattle Seahawks

If it is all about a Super Bowl for Ndamukong Suh then the reigning NFC champion Seattle Seahawks will most definitely be in play.  They could use more help along their defensive front after the way Tom Brady was able to attack them in the Super Bowl.  Pairing Suh with Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril would have a monumental impact.

Whether the Seahawks can afford it is the big question.  They have over $25 million in cap space but a good chunk of that is being reserved for Russell Wilson, who is expecting a new deal.  Whether they can maneuver around that will be the big challenge.

At the present time the advantage goes to the team with the most money to spend in the Oakland Raiders, but if Suh is smart he will listen to the pitches from contending teams.  They may not pay him quite as much, but the potential gain in a ring could maintain the balance.