The Detroit Lions stuck to their word and did not make a single move at the NFL trade deadline. They likely had plenty of offers for some of their biggest stars, but kept the roster as is for the remainder of the season. However, there could be some big changes headed to the Motor City in the offseason thanks to free agency. Are the Lions preparing to say goodbye to two of their best defensive stars?
Ndamukong Suh is already reportedly putting one foot out the door in Detroit. The defensive end is in the final year of his contract and failed to negotiate an extension during the offseason or at the start of training camp. Suh wants to be the highest paid defensive player in the league and Detroit appears unwilling to make it happen. The New York Post reported that Suh has no interest in starting back up negotiations and is looking forward to his free agency stint with eyes on a New York team.
Nick Fairley is in the same boat. The Lions opted not to pick up his fifth-year option giving the defensive tackle an open door to walk away. Now, ESPN.com is reporting that Detroit is not certain they will be offering Fairley any kind of contract in the future.
"We're not certain how that will work," head coach Jim Caldwell said, via ESPN.com. "They haven't told me that he wouldn't be at this point in time."
There is a real chance that Fairley has played his final game in Detroit. The defensive tackle suffered a knee sprain that might leave him rehabbing longer than the Lions expected. NFL sources told ESPN's Michael C. Wright that Fairley has not been ruled out completely, but the outlook is not positive regarding his status for the remainder of the season. That would leave Detroit with just Suh, CJ Mosley and rookie Caraun Reid at the position.
"Until we get everything looked at and make a determination, we very rarely put a timetable on it," Caldwell said. "I know there was a report out that stated four to five weeks, but it never came from our office because of the fact that we have not come to that conclusion as of yet. When we do, we'll certainly release it."
Both defensive stars will be hot tickets come free agency if Detroit is serious about letting both walk away. Teams like the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons are all in need of pass rushers and will be willing to give either Suh or Fairley the money that they want.
