Source: Lions Offered Suh Six-Year, $102M Deal With $58M Guaranteed
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Had he so desired, All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh could have remained with the Detroit Lions and still surpassed Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt as the most highly paid defensive player in the NFL.
A source familiar with the talks confirmed to CBS Detroit that the Lions offered Suh a six-year, $102 million deal that includes $58 million guaranteed. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press first reported the offer.
The Miami Dolphins, however, reportedly offered Suh a six-year, $114 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed, and Suh has agreed to take that deal, although it cannot be made official until Tuesday, the start of the league year.
When Watt re-signed with Houston in September, his contract set records for the most guaranteed money for a defensive player ($51.8 million) and the highest average annual value of a contract for a defensive player ($16.6 million). The Lions were willing to make Suh the new record holder in both categories, offering to pay him an average of $17 million per year and $58 million guaranteed.