For Ndamukong Suh, Sunday’s game against the Jets may be as much about auditioning as it is winning.
Suh, the Lions’ oft-troubled defensive tackle, is set to become a free agent after the season and has no plans on making permanent residence in Detroit, according to ESPN. New York is beckoning, whether with the Jets or the Giants.
The report states Suh, who was voted the dirtiest player in the NFL two years ago, is looking to improve his brand — which could certainly use some elevating — and New York is the obvious choice to open himself up to a bigger market.
Of course, the attraction has to be mutual, and there’s no guarantee the Jets or Giants want a player who has been fined $374,294 by the league for myriad on-field infractions, including countless cheap shots to the opposing quarterback.
Suh departed the locker room quickly after Lions win over the Jets, declining to speak to reporters. Suh left so quickly, he had not even removed the clothes he wore under his uniform or the athletic tape on his arms.
And while the 6-four-4, 305-pound Suh is a monster, racking up 27.5 sacks in his first four seasons despite constant double-teams, the local teams don’t exactly seem like a perfect fit.
The Jets’ vaunted front seven is anchored by a defensive line that wreaks havoc. Damon Harrison and Sheldon Richardson have been stalwart nose tackles, and GM John Idzik has taken a conservative approach to free agency — even if Rex Ryan’s eyes light up at even the mention of Suh.
The Giants, meanwhile, have shown a willingness to splurge on defensive free agents, having signed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie this offseason, but Tom Coughlin hasn’t had a history of bringing in players with character issues. Johnathan Hankins and Jay Bromley are their current defensive tackles.