SPORTS

Ndamukong's next stop? Here are possible Suh-tors

Josh Katzenstein
The Detroit News

LIONS

Why they might sign him: Nobody knows the importance of Ndamukong Suh to a defense quite like the Lions. It'd be easy to argue he's been the team's best defensive player in four of his five seasons, and based on his performance last year, he's still improving. If the Lions have an opportunity to beat Suh's top offer, it's hard to see them passing on it.

Why they might not: They have about $18 million in cap space, and several other teams can offer him more money, both guaranteed and long term.

RAIDERS

Why they might sign him: They have about $55 million in cap space, and Suh represents a throwback to the glory years of hard-nosed Raiders teams.

Why they might not: Outside linebacker Khalil Mack is already the face of the defense, and the Raiders could use a lot of their money pursuing free agents on offense to support quarterback Derek Carr.

COLTS

Why they might sign him: With about $45 million in cap space, Indianapolis will be searching for game-changers in free agency, and Suh is the best available. The Colts are also desperate for pass rushing help.

Why they might not: Eventually, Andrew Luck will sign the richest NFL contract of all time, and even if the cap keeps rising, it'll be hard to pay Suh, Luck and fill needs in the second and on the offensive line.

DOLPHINS

Why they might sign him: The Dolphins have been dumping players recently to clear space for something. Maybe they want to let Jared Odrick leave in free agency and upgrade that spot with Suh.

Why they might not: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is due a contract extension after the season, and signing Suh could limit the Dolphins' ability to pay Tannehill if he plays well in 2015.

JAGUARS

Why they might sign him: No team has more cap space, and no team could use an infusion of star talent more than Jacksonville. Head coach Gus Bradley would find a way to make Suh the star of the Jaguars.

Why they might not: Jacksonville desperately needs help on the offensive line and several other positions, and its pass rush is already solid. Plus, this might be one team that Suh couldn't turn into an immediate contender.

BEARS

Why they might sign him: The NFC North rival has the cap space to pursue Suh, and with a new GM and coach, adding a play of Suh's caliber would complete the Bears' offseason transformation.

Why they might not: They have other needs in the secondary and at linebacker, and Suh doesn't have experience playing in a 3-4, which the Bears are implementing for 2015.

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

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