Ndamukong Suh Contract: Latest Rumors and Speculation on Negotiations with Lions

Updates from Monday, Sept. 29

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press provides a statement from Lions head coach Jim Caldwell discussing the latest rumors and speculation surrounding Ndamukong Suh's future with the organization:

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I'm not going to even go there. And the big thing is, I do think that we just played a heck of a football game and I think that's what's important. These guys played well, did a great job and we just hope we continue to get them better, got a big one next week.

[...]

I can't answer or talk about any rumors or speculation or anything. I'm not going to answer those kinds of questions.

"

Birkett continued with perspective surrounding Suh himself following the Lions' win against the Jets:

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Suh, who's repeatedly said he wants to stay in Detroit, did not dress in the Lions locker room after Sunday's game according to the New York Post – he took his pads off and boarded the bus while still wearing the undershirt he played in – and ignored questions as he left MetLife Stadium.

Suh rarely speaks with reporters or is in the locker room after road games unless the Lions bring him to the post-game podium.

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Original Text

The play of the Detroit Lions defensive line has been impressive thus far this season. Fans of the team might not want to get too accustomed to seeing it, however, as the team's top defensive player, Ndamukong Suh, now appears likely to leave Detroit this offseason.    

Adam Schefter of ESPN has more:

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A quarter of the way through the season, the Detroit Lions are preparing to lose free-agent-to-be Ndamukong Suh and he is preparing to move on as well, according to league sources.

And with Suh in New York on Sunday to play against the Jets, it could be a prelude of what's to come.

Suh has told people in the past that he would love to play in New York, and the idea of it has huge appeal to him, league sources said.

"

Following Detroit's Week 4 matchup, Suh didn't meet with reporters (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press):

Perhaps Rex Ryan already had some inkling of Suh's interest in coming to New York. During the week, Ryan noted that Suh was "probably as close to Warren Sapp as I've seen," according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com.

Sure, Suh was a natural topic of conversation during the conference call because the New York Jets are playing the Lions this week. But Ryan heaping such praise on Suh certainly couldn't hurt if the Jets pursue him in free agency this offseason, either. 

The idea that Suh will be exploring his free-agent options after the season is nothing new. Back in July, Ian Rapoport reported that the Lions would allow him to hit the market after contract-extension negotiations appeared to break down:

Suh has certainly been excellent this season, with eight tackles and a sack for a Lions team that is second in rushing yards allowed and third in passing yards conceded. Certainly, Suh is the type of player who will generate a huge market when he hits free agency.   

But at least for now, it appears that he believes his talents belong in the Big Apple.