Johnson: I'll try to recruit Suh back to Lions
Phoenix — Lions general manager Martin Mayhew declined to provide an update on contract negotiations with All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, but Calvin Johnson offered his thoughts on his teammate Saturday evening before the NFL Honors program.
Johnson, a three-time All-Pro like Suh, said he hopes Suh returns to Detroit, and he isn't opposed to doing some recruiting.
"I'll do whatever I got to do," Johnson said as he walked the red carpet before the event.
Suh is set to become a free agent in March unless the Lions sign him or apply the franchise or transition tag for the exorbitant price of $26.9 million. Mayhew said after the season the team remains confident it can re-sign Suh because he wants to be in Detroit, but Suh could likely raise his price tag on the open market.
Asked for an update on negotiations or whether or not the Lions have opened discussions with Suh's agent Jimmy Sexton, Mayhew said he couldn't answer.
"You know we don't negotiate in the papers," he said.
The Lions were minimally represented at the NFL Honors event, during which the league announces the winners of the top awards for the 2014 season and introduces the Pro Football Hall of Fame class for 2015.
Johnson was the only Lions player seen on the red carpet during the 90 minutes players, coaches, executives and celebrities walked toward Phoenix's Symphony Hall.
Both Johnson and Mayhew, though, mentioned the inspirational aspect of attending Super Bowl events. Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks is Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in nearby Glendale, Ariz.
"We're very excited about being here for the Super Bowl, and it gives us inspiration for years to come to watch these good teams play because we want to be in the same environment," Mayhew said.
"It's inspiring, I guess you could say," Johnson said. "It gets you ready for next year, especially being the guys that are here and not the guys that are playing."
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