Report: Lions Have Reached Out To Other Teams Regarding A Ndamukong Suh Trade

 

Update:

Mike Freeman of the Bleacher Report has confirmed with sources that the Lions have in fact discussed the possibility of trading DT Ndamukong Suh with NFL teams.

However, Freeman mentions that as of now, “it’s been just talk and not even serious talk.”

The Lions are reportedly trying to feel out what other would be willing to offer in the event that contract talks don’t go anywhere.

“What the Lions are doing is standard operating procedure,” one team executive said. “Just in case they don’t think they can sign him, they’re preparing for worst case. It’s smart.”

According to Freeman, both the Lions and teams around the don’t trust Suh when it comes to off-the-field issues, even though every sees him as a very talented player.

“Every team in football would love to have (Suh),” said one team official, “but his behavior on the field still makes teams nervous. There’s a feeling that he has no self-control.”

We’ll have to see trade talks progress in the coming weeks as we get closer to the NFL draft.

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Scott Bischoff of NewEraScouting.com reports that the Detroit Lions are discussing the possibility of trading DT Ndamukong Suh in order to move up “as high as possible” in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.

• Joel Corry mentions that if the Lions were to trade Suh, it would likely be a sign-and-trade.
• Jason Fitzgerald points out that few teams could take on Suh’s contract given that they would need $12.675 million in available cap space to do so. 

It seems unlikely that Detroit would part with Suh, but there are factors that make this conceivable.

Suh and Detroit have yet to make significant progress regarding a long-term extension. He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and he has not reported to Detroit’s — albeit voluntary — team workout that began Tuesday.

Further, Detroit has been active in bringing in prospects for visits that many pundits do not expect to be available for Detroit’s first pick — No. 10 overall — including DE Jadeveon Clowney, LB Khalil Mack, and WR Sammy Watkins.

Reports have surfaced in the past regarding Detroit’s desire to move up in the draft.  Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported that there is a “growing sense in league circles” that the Lions could be willing to trade up for Clemson WR Sammy Watkins.

Taking these facts together, it seems plausible that such a trade could happen.

Whether the Lions ultimately make a move or not, it is noteworthy that Suh has been discussed as part of a package to move up.  It appeared that Detroit would be set up the middle for years with Suh and counterpart DL Nick Fairley, though Detroit has elected not to pick up Fairley’s option.

Suh continues to play at a high level, as Pro Football Focus rated him the No. 2 defensive tackle in 2013.