As the NFL makes final preparations for Super Bowl XLIX, much of the Detroit Lions corner of the internet has been buzzing about new comments and reports indicating the Lions are the favorites to retain Ndamukong Suh.
First, it was team president Tom Lewand appearing on WDIV-TV’s Flashpoint this morning, in which he said he thinks there is a “very, very good chance we can get something done with him in the next few weeks.” Then this afternoon, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, citing multiple sources, reported that the Lions are the favored landing spot.
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Included in Mortensen’s report is a an interesting nugget about Calvin Johnson’s future as it pertains to the Lions’ attempts to retain Suh:
"One team source told ESPN that signing Suh would theoretically be the priority even if it meant losing star wide receiver Calvin Johnson. But the Lions believe they can manage to have both on the roster."
That’s not to say, as Mort indicated, that re-signing Suh would automatically mean Calvin is on the outs. However, that would be the case down the line if the team has issues managing both contracts against future salary caps.
There is a lot of water to go under the bridge before that time arrives. For one, actually getting a deal done with Suh. Then, with a scheduled cap hit of just over $20.5 million in 2015 but with over $20.9 million in dead money remaining on his deal, there is no chance Calvin Johnson won’t be a Lion next season – regardless of what happens with Suh. What happens after that isn’t clear as it will depend on the growth of the NFL salary cap in 2016 and beyond as well as whether or not Johnson can maintain a high level of play.
Re-signing Suh won’t come at the expense of Johnson’s present with the team, but it is possible it comes at the expense of Johnson’s future. And according to Mort’s report, the Lions realize and are OK with that. Are you?
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