Ndamukong Suh: Buccaneers Appear to Be 'Out of the Picture;' Wants to Keep Playing
June 20, 2022
Ndamukong Suh will apparently have to suit up for a different team to continue his career in 2022.
The defensive tackle said Monday during an appearance on NFL Live (h/t ESPN's Adam Schefter) that it "looks like" the Tampa Bay Buccaneers "are out of the picture" when it comes to his destinations.
Suh also said he wants to continue playing.
The Nebraska product has also played for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams and spent the last three years with Tampa Bay.
While he may be past his prime at 35 years old, he was still a solid contributor for the Buccaneers last season with 27 tackles, six sacks and a fumble recovery. He also continued his impressive streak of durability by appearing in 17 games—he has missed just two contests since his career started in 2010.
Suh is one of the best defensive players of his generation and could slide into a secondary role in a defensive line rotation.
His resume includes a Super Bowl title with the Buccaneers, a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods. He has 70.5 sacks and has always occupied multiple blockers, stuffing running plays and opening up lanes for his teammates on the outside.
Yet Tampa Bay has one of the league's best defensive tackles in Vita Vea as well as depth with Rakeem Nunez-Roches.
It also signed former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, who was a 2018 Pro Bowler.
With those resources committed to the position, it appears the Buccaneers will not bring back the veteran Suh. That could give other franchises the chance to add an impact player on a team-friendly contract.