It is still unclear whether or not the Detroit Lions are preparing themselves to move on from the defensive end in the near future. The longer Suh sits without a new long-term contract to his name the more speculation rises that the team might not be willing to give him the money he is demanding. Suh is a force on the field, but discipline issues and a high cap hit have put his future in question.
If Suh is really available, the Oakland Raiders appear to be a favored landing spot. Vic Tafur for the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Raiders are considering a move before the NFL Draft to land Suh. The idea is not totally crazy, but again would only happen if Suh is actually available for dealing. Tafur writes that Detroit could move up to the No. 5 spot and get rid of Suh's salary. Now drafting at No. 5 is not high enough to land Jadeveon Clowney, but could get the Lions Sammy Watkins, a player they have had interest in.
The Raiders are not looking to move up, but are willing to move down. The team is aware they are not in a position to draft Clowney since most teams are trying to get up into the top two picks to make that move happen. However, Suh would certainly be a worthy option over the rookie defensive end and if Detroit is really serious about making a deal, Oakland is an ideal fit.
Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman is reporting that the Lions are very open to a deal for Suh that involves draft picks in some way. The defensive end has not shown up to offseason workouts while holding out for a favorable contract extension and the Lions are not thrilled. However, Jason La Canfora is disputing the idea a trade will happen noting the Lions are very focused on getting an extension done, aware they cannot afford to let go of Suh's production on the field.
The Raiders will have to be willing to take on Suh's gigantic $22 million cap hit. This type of move might make sense for a team that is really serious contenders for a Super Bowl, but considering Oakland might still be another year or two for that, is Suh's salary worth it? Any team making a deal for him will likely just be for a one-year rental and then will allow Suh to become a free agent. Is something going to happen before the draft? Probably not, but this is the type of stuff that comes up when the draft is one week away.
