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The Detroit Lions have handed out a couple big-time contract extensions since March of last year. First, wide receiver Calvin Johnson received a seven-year extension worth $132 million. Then, more recently, quarterback Matthew Stafford got a three-year extension worth $53 million.
With deals done for Johnson and Stafford, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is next in line to receive a mega contract extension. Since the final year of his deal will be voided, Suh is really only under contract through the 2014 season. Considering he's got a cap hit of $21.4 million for 2014, it's unlikely the Lions will use the franchise tag if he is set to become a free agent during the 2015 offseason.
The Lions would prefer that it doesn't come to that, which is why getting Suh an extension is important. It's not clear if they will start negotiations before or during the 2013 season or if they will wait until next year, but Suh said on Thursday that he's open to talking about a new deal.
Suh says he's open to talking w/Lions about contract extension early: "I think my track record has kind of proven that ...
— Carlos Monarrez (@cmonarrez) July 25, 2013
... especially with the restructures and things I've done in the past."
— Carlos Monarrez (@cmonarrez) July 25, 2013
Back in May, Suh said he was "two years away from even considering those things" when asked about the possibility of a contract extension. While he also said at that time that he'd "love to be here in Detroit," he sort of gave the impression that he wasn't exactly all that open to talking about a contract extension in the near future. On Thursday, however, Suh's comments painted a different picture of the situation, so perhaps talks will soon open on a new deal.