Detroit Lions: Five Questions to Consider During the Offseason

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) is blocked by Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72) during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

1. What To Do With Suh?

The Lions’ biggest question mark revolves around what to do with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Against Dallas, Suh showed signs of complete domination, playing arguably his best game in Detroit.

Unfortunately, Suh is also a free agent, and has maintained an inability to stay out of trouble on the field. Despite all of that, Jim Caldwell said Monday that the team is committed to bringing Suh back.

“It continues to be one of our highest priorities,” Caldwell said regarding the possible return of Suh during his end of season press conference. Will the Lions franchise tag him? Not likely, considering the massive $26.7 million number he would command in such a scenario. The better expectation is for the team to try and work out a long-term deal with the defensive tackle.

Still, Suh is a mercurial person and a savvy businessman, and nobody can truly say which way his heart and mind are leaning. Tears at the podium Sunday gave an indication he loved Detroit and his teammates deeply, but was that a calculated final act on the way out of town?

Should Suh go, the Lions would have to consider bringing back fellow free agent Nick Fairley, signing other free agent defensive tackles or selecting one in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Suh presents the largest offseason variable for the team, no pun intended.

Next: A possible coaching departure