Are Colts Already Out of Suh Sweepstakes?
According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, the Indianapolis Colts may reportedly already be out of the Ndamukong Suh sweepstakes before it actually even started. Per Robinson, sources around the league are already talking that Suh to the Miami Dolphins is a “done deal”:
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) prior to facing the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier, we noted that armed with ample cap space, the Colts were expected to make a “strong push” for Suh per reports. However, the Dolphins were still considered the early favorite because of their warm weather, no state income tax, and the cap space to still pay Suh a king’s ransom.
While these are just purely rumors and should be taken with a grain of salt, it is interesting that Suh to the Dolphins is considered a sure thing among league circles, considering he can’t officially sign until Tuesday. Of course, a lot of things could change between now and then. Another rumored suitor like the Colts could make him an offer he simply can’t refuse or a darkhorse team could enter the mix entirely. Of course, the possibility exists that Suh could end up just re-signing with the only team he’s ever known too in the Lions.
What is for certain, is that Suh will be one of the most highly sought after free agents on the open market. It’s possible that his mega-contract could set the tone for the rest of this year’s free agent class and have a trickle-down effect. Suh’s expected to surpass J.J. Watt‘s recent $100 million mega-contract and become the highest paid defensive player in football.
The price for Suh is certainly to be exorbitant. However, if push comes to shove, it seems prudent for the Colts to overpay for elite players, if they are going to overpay at all. The team needs true difference-makers on both sides of the football, and even though he’d eat a significant chunk of their free salary cap, Suh is the type of player that opposing offenses have to account for at all times as he consistently commands a double team.
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports