Report: Suh Will Sign With Dolphins For Six Years, $114 Million
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, whom the Detroit Lions had hoped to re-sign before free agency officially begins Tuesday, has reportedly agreed to a six-year, $114 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.
With the deal, Suh will surpass Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt as the most highly paid defensive player in the league. Watt, who re-signed with the Texans, received a six-year, $100 million contract extension that included a record-setting $51.8 million in guaranteed money.
Several weeks ago, when it still appeared possible Detroit could re-sign Suh before the three-day window in which teams can negotiate with free agents before the official start of the league year Tuesday, one source told CBS Detroit that if Suh went on the open market his deal would blow away that of Watt. If Suh does indeed sign the deal that has been reported, that projection has certainly proven accurate.
Watt's deal included $51.8 million in guaranteed money; Suh's deal includes $60 million. The average annual value of Watt's contract is $16.6 million; the average annual value of Suh's deal is $19 million.
The Lions offered Suh $17 million per year with $58 million guaranteed, a source confirmed to CBS Detroit. The team's offer was first reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
As recently as last month, the Lions had expressed confidence about their ability to re-sign Suh, who has been a dominant force on their defense since they drafted him with the second overall pick in 2010.
Many teams were interested in signing Suh, but the Dolphins outbid all others, according to ESPN.
