Quote:Well he's 28 so you've got about 2-3 years of prime performance left in my estimate. After that you're really paying him for what he's done in the past in hopes he can extend it a little in the twilight years. So IF they go after him I'd imagine it would be a front loaded contract with protection on the back end. He starts to decline in year 4 they can cut him with little dead money if any. But the overall contract I suspect he's going to command somewhere around 20 million a season average. I see him getting a 5 year 100 million contract somewhere, as long as it's structured right I'd be fine with that being us. I'm not a salary cap expert but they'd have to make sure the bonuses are paid up front or something, you don't want 20 million chained to a 32 and 33 year old DT in years 4 and 5. 

 

Eric,  thanks for your input.

 

One advantage the Jaguars have compared to most teams is the salary cap flexibility to front load contracts.  This could appeal to Ndamukong Suh if he hits the open market.  

 

A key reason why Suh has tremendous contract leverage is he's been extremely durable.   In 5 seasons he never even missed a practice due to injury.  Other than a 2011 two game suspension,  the only time Suh missed a practice in the regular season is when he had the flu this past December.    Because Suh keeps himself in tip top shape and has an elite durability track record,  it wouldn't surprise me if he remains a differential DT for 5 more seasons.  Maybe even a little longer.

 

Many estimates have Suh getting a contract that will exceed what the Texans gave to J.J. Watt.  With close to $ 55 million in guaranteed money.

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