Ndahmukong Suh, defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, has been in and out of the news lately. As time goes on, and the next season approaches, we'll likely hear a lot more about the "stomper".
With only one year left on his contract, the Lions want to sign him to a long term extension. Their local media and ever-koolaided fans want it as well. Pay Suh big bucks, they say. He's worth it.
Actually, no he's not, and never has been. His downsides far outweigh his upside.
Giving Suh a mega-contract would put the Lions in a salary cap bind in years to come. Sure, their bean counters can do the front-office financial two-step with such things as bonuses and deferments, but in the long run, there's only so much dough to go around, and the Lions need serious help at multiple positions.
And let's face it. Besides Detroit being Detroit, their franchise isn't exactly considered a preferred destination amongst most talented players that serious want to compete for a Super Bowl championship. One need only look at their long sordid history. From clueless ownership, to incompetent upper management, to a long string of wacky head coaches, to botched drafts, and even down to their sometimes mind-numbing boneheaded play on the field -- the Lions have developed a reputation over the decades. And it ain't good.
To boot, Suh is hardly a game changer, even when on the field. His modus operandi seems to be -- seek out and destroy -- whatever it takes. Wring neck, stomp, commit other personal foul, thump chest like crazed gorilla, then be meek and mild mannered to the press when being interviewed.
At that, during the course of most games, Suh typically makes only one or two plays that are even above average of any other defensive tackle in the league.
If the Lions were smart, and don't hold your breath (see history above), they'd trade him while he still has some value. They could get a decent player and/or future draft picks in return, and likely have some money left over to help out in other places as well. Let somebody else worry about the next not-so-good Suh incident that will likely come about while juggling their OWN salary cap to accommodate him, his merry-go-round of agents, and other antics. Like leopards never change their spots, loose cannons never seem to get bolted down either. With Suh, it just is what it is. But he's just another in a long line of example why the Lions have remained the Lions for so long.
And let's get real. Only the hard cores that are mainlining the Honolulu blue and silver opiates can possibly believe the Lions are remotely near Super Bowl caliber. Good grief, they'll be lucky to win their own division (see Green Bay) let alone compete with the likes of Seattle and San Fran once the playoffs start -- if they even qualify.
Bottom line is the Lions need serious upgrades at a lot of different positions before they'll ever be able to compete with the big boys in the playoffs. Ironically, the defensive line appears to be one of their strengths. They have depth there.
Now is the time to trade Suh. The Lions aren't going to sniff the Super Bowl this year -- so why not unload a headache, financially and otherwise, to build for the future? While they can still get something worthwhile (see badly needed high draft choices) back in return? Suh's not going to take them to the Super Bowl this year, and if nothing happens -- he'll be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He'll walk, to whatever greener and dumber pastures will have him, and the Lions will get nothing in return.
Forget the long-term extension with this guy. He's more trouble than he's worth.
Trade him -- NOW.
No comments:
Post a Comment