Ndamukong Suh ranks at the top of the free agency class in 2015 and he absolutely knows it. The defensive tackle intends to take full advantage of his availability come March as he aims to become the highest-paid defensive player in the league after JJ Watt's contract last year with the Houston Texans. The Detroit Lions plan on doing anything and everything to retain Suh for the long-term, but the defensive star has a wish list of his own that could halt contract talks in free agency.
According to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, Suh is aiming to join on with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency and join the already dominate defense. Cole reported that sources close to Suh are reporting he would love to play for Seattle because he grew up in Portland and is aiming to return back to the Northwest area. The question will be if Suh is willing to sacrifice dollars to return home and play for Seattle who likely cannot afford to make him the highest-paid player.
Getting Suh in Seattle would mean it was game over for any opposing offense. The Legion of Boom defense would simply be unstoppable. Suh would line up alongside Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril to create one of the best passing rushing units in the league while Bobby Wagner and Brandon Mebane help anchor the line out. Suh would immediately make the Seahawks contenders once again, but the question becomes if they can afford him.
Seattle has been very smart with their salary cap space over the past few years. That will help them make Russell Wilson the highest-paid player in the NFL while potentially also retaining Marshawn Lynch for a few more years as well. However, Suh's contract demands would throw a huge wrench into the pay roll. It would mean a lot of cap casualties which would likely start with Lynch and trickle down. Seattle must decide what they would sacrifice to get Suh while the defensive tackle would have to determine if a pay cut is worth it.
According to ESPN.com, the Lions remain the favorite to retain Suh. Despite the salary cap constraints with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson's contracts, the Lions believe they can re-sign Suh at a deal of his liking. It could cost them players like Reggie Bush and Ryan Broyles, but they are expendable. Seattle does not have the luxury of expendable players for Suh's contract.
There will be plenty of teams lining up to give Suh their best sales pitch. The Oakland Raiders are beginning to put the word out they want Suh. The Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants could also be options once March arrives.
