Quote:Spending $100 million on a defensive tackle isn't an investment.  Especially if you're front loading the deal. 

 

You say he's worth the investment.  Is he 4 1/2 times better than Marks?  Because that's what you're paying him to be with your contract suggestion.  Yeah, the injury to Marks is a concern, but not one that would force me to throw that kind of money at a player. 

 

Fairley would probably be a more appealing option for this team, although he's another guy who has injury issues to contend with. It wouldn't surprise me to see them at least look at Potroast, or Jared Odrick as options as well.  There are guys out there who, while they aren't on the same level as Suh, can be quite effective in this defense without forking out $100 million contracts. 

 


People are going to be sorely disappointed by what transpires this off season with free agency because the mindset the front office is going to follow will be less on throwing huge contracts out there for multiple players, and more about signing the right free agents to fill roles on this team.  I don't expect to see them over-do it in free agency.  I think ultimately, they're going to find ways to continue to manage the cap in a way that allows them to carry money forward, using extensions for players with incentives that aren't likely to be earned and other loopholes to allow them to continue to have one of the healthiest caps in the league while building through the draft.

 

Caldwell has been pretty clear that they'll be aggressive, but they won't overspend in free agency.  Suh would be a guy that you'd have to overspend to get.  In the end, all of this is going to be a moot point because I think the Lions find a way to get a deal done to keep him.