Former Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has remained available all the way to the brink of training camp, but the Cleveland Browns seem to be circling back to him.
Based on his resume, former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh should not still be available on July 13. But while he’s still an effective player, he is 35 years old and a real decline could come at any time.
It’s also safe to say the five-time Pro Bowler would like to sign with a playoff contender, if not a legit Super Bowl contender, which rules out any visions of him back in a Lions’ uniform.
Suh conveyed interest in signing with the Las Vegas Raiders last month, and since then he reportedly had conversations with the Minnesota Vikings. But a third team may be circling back for a final push to sign him.
According to Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY, the Cleveland Browns are interested in signing Suh.
Ndamukong Suh and the Browns look like a good match
The Browns reportedly “backed off on Suh” in late-May, leaving (at that time) the Tampa Bay Bucccaneers and the Raiders as his top two rumored suitors. Then Tampa Bay signed Akiem Hicks, taking them out of the market to bring Suh back for a fourth season.
In the six weeks of so since the Browns apparently took themselves out of the mix, Suh’s asking price has to have naturally come down. Dragon’s additional reporting that he’s expected to sign with a team closer to training camp fits into a window of about the next 10 days.
With quarterback Deshaun Watson’s status up in the air, Cleveland is line to have to win games a little differently than they expected to if he were guaranteed to be available for Week 1. Even if an offense-tilted league, they won’t be able to win high-scoring games with Jacoby Brissett under center.
Suh would join fellow top-three overall draft picks defensive ends Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney to fortify a formidable defensive front for the Browns. He would add experience to the mix as well, with current projected defensive tackles Jordan Elliott and Taven Bryan combining for 21 NFL starts right now.
It will still come down somewhat to money, and any other suitors Suh has entertained or will entertain by comparison. But he and the Browns look like a nice fit, and it’s no accident they have resurfaced as a suitor.