The free agency frenzy, trading outbreak and stunning retirements of the first day of the NFL’s business year gave way to one headliner Wednesday: Ndamukong Suh. ADVERTISING The free agency frenzy, trading outbreak and stunning retirements of the first day
The free agency frenzy, trading outbreak and stunning retirements of the first day of the NFL’s business year gave way to one headliner Wednesday: Ndamukong Suh.
Miami signed the All-Pro defensive tackle and top prize in this year’s free agent crop to a $114 million, six-year contract. It made Suh the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, surpassing J.J. Watt’s $100 million, six-year deal with Houston.
They expect him to plug the line against the run, and threaten — and sack — quarterbacks.
“I’m excited about the pressure,” Suh said, referring not to the pass rush but to the expectations that come with such a contract. “I don’t necessarily look at it as pressure. I look at it as something I’m built for.
“This is the ultimate team sport. There’s no way I can do it by myself. I want to be a cornerstone. At the same time our quarterback is going to be a cornerstone, Ryan Tannehill, who I have a lot of respect for: No. 1 because he has taken my hits.”
They played each other last season, a 20-16 Detroit victory.
Suh, the second overall pick in 2010, had 36 sacks in five seasons in Detroit, including 8½ in 2014. His presence should boost the performances of ends Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon, who have combined for 38 sacks in the past two seasons.
“To get a player of Ndamukong’s stature says a lot about our organization,” director of football operations Mike Tannenbaum said. “The fact he chose us speaks volumes about our organization, our chance to win and the foundation that has been laid here.”
Miami also released veteran defensive tackle Randy Starks.
While Suh was leaving the NFC North, one of the prime offensive tackles on the market was staying there.
Green Bay re-signed right tackle Bryan Bulaga, ensuring that the NFL’s highest-scoring team will keep its entire offense intact for 2015. The deal is believed to be for five years and $34 million, with an $8 million signing bonus.
Days before Bulaga came back, the Packers re-signed receiver Randall Cobb.
Some second-tier quarterbacks were on the move Wednesday.
The Jets acquired Ryan Fitzpatrick from Houston, and he was replaced there by Brian Hoyer.
Fitzpatrick, 32, is expected to push Geno Smith for the starting job with New York. He reunites with Chan Gailey, who coached Fitzpatrick in Buffalo and is the Jets’ new offensive coordinator.
Hoyer, formerly of the Browns, will compete with Ryan Mallett with the Texans. Mallett was re-signed earlier this week.
“When you look at the offensive side of the ball — Arian Foster, (DeAndre) Hopkins — those types of guys, the offensive line, I’m excited to get a chance to be a part of this,” Hoyer said.
The Jets also signed G James Carpenter, who won a Super Bowl with Seattle.
There was one retirement, by cornerback Cortland Finnegan, which was expected — as opposed to Tuesday’s retirements of three players in their primes: Patrick Willis, Jake Locker and Jason Worilds.
