Too Much For Suh
January 8th, 2020
So long, Suh?
The Bucs have a lot of free agents to sign if they want to compete for a playoff berth this fall.
But one Bucs beat guy doesn’t believe the team should just bend over, though. The example given was if the Bucs want to keep stud defensive end Ndamukong Suh, Trevor Sikkema of The Draft Network suggests Suh should only be brought back if he is willing to play ball with Team Glazer’s bean counters.
One player to let go: Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle
Suh was on a mercenary deal with the Buccaneers after signing a 1-year, $9.25 million deal last March. I am just not sure he is worth that price tag for another year in Tampa. Now, if he takes a pay cut to something closer to $5 million, then we’re talking about a manageable number, one worth bringing him back with. But unless they can get him to take that kind of a cut, I believe they can find enough interior defensive line impact elsewhere.
Joe sees where Sikkema is coming from and there is always the possibility Father Time will catch up with Suh. The guy is one of the most durable players in the NFL (the last time he missed a start was 2011). Suh is no longer the sack artist he once was but the man can still make plays and of course he is a force inside.
The fact that Suh just never gets hurt is a big factor with Joe. Getting him to stay for $5 million would be a steal. He’s so valuable to the line, not sure it’s worth the risk losing him over $5 million. Besides, the expected defensive end free agent position doesn’t look overly promising.
If Suh wasn’t making any plays or was showing signs of old age, then yeah, we’re talking a different story.
That is, unless the Bucs want to make a run at Jadeveon Clowney or draft Yetur Gross-Matos.
January 8th, 2020 at 12:37 am
Two years in a row that Suh shared the line with the NFL leader in sacks.
Not a coincidence. Sorry. He’s worth $9M. All day.
January 8th, 2020 at 12:45 am
Let go a Dt and replace him with a DE? Then a skinny one from the draft. Not gonna watch that video man. Joe you need some sleep. Good night
January 8th, 2020 at 12:48 am
Speaking of someone that needs sleep (or needs to wake up), Suh was playing defensive end this year.
Vita Vea was the nose tackle in the 34.
January 8th, 2020 at 12:50 am
i’m a big fan of sikkema…he knows his sheet…but this is one time he is so wrong…kong suh is such an important cog to this line…he’s such a daunting dude…people are trying to figure out which pieces we can part with…the answer on the d-line is simple…none (none of the main guys)
January 8th, 2020 at 12:55 am
Stick with what has worked. Experience! Knows the nuances and can also bring along other players. He’s worth at least what we paid last year, but more in my eyes. He’s interior more than DE and you cant get that from just drafting a DE.
Pay him! Lets go into next season with this same D intact with a little piece added (Safety) Kyler Dugger in the 3rd or 4th.
January 8th, 2020 at 1:03 am
Letting Suh leave would be a mistake.
January 8th, 2020 at 1:06 am
I think 7 mil would get the deal done but I doubt he’d stay for 5.
January 8th, 2020 at 1:38 am
I was impressed by Suh, maybe not stuff you’d see on the stat sheet but he played hard all year. Him batting down a few passes in the last game of the season come to mind. I’d keep him and Gholston around if possible, the defense was playing well at the end, it’d be nice to keep it together.
January 8th, 2020 at 1:40 am
I was thinking $7 million (or so) too. Hopefully he won’t be like Brent Grimes when he “only” got $7 million his last year.
January 8th, 2020 at 1:49 am
I watched the video of Gross-Matos last week, I doubt he’s around when we pick at 14. His body type is like Simeon Rice and the dude has speed. I liked watching Curtis Weaver’s highlights, too. Shorter, more stout and it looks like he’s got good bend coming off the edge.
January 8th, 2020 at 2:05 am
Agree, 7 Mil would still be a big bargain. 5M is Gholston money, Suh is still a better player than Gholston, even at his age.
We must draft trenches early in this draft, we have to get younger and cheaper in those units. Our secondary is cheap for years to come, let’s bring in a vet safety and draft on the lines! Build this team the right way.
January 8th, 2020 at 3:01 am
Keep Suh at all costs
January 8th, 2020 at 3:41 am
Let em go before its too late… gholton> sub
January 8th, 2020 at 4:39 am
I like Suh he was a important piece to our d- line
January 8th, 2020 at 5:26 am
What Snook said.
January 8th, 2020 at 5:52 am
Letting any of the starting DLinemen go would be idiotic
January 8th, 2020 at 6:02 am
Agree with Adam ,10 mil is a fair for what Suh brings to the table.
January 8th, 2020 at 6:03 am
Joe in Michigan,
I agree, Boise ST’s Curtis Weaver has good bend n he’s stout, however, I notice he didn’t ball as much against better competition, which would be my only concern at this point. He kinda reminds me of Shaq Barret as he has a quick jump off the snap. But entering the big league with the coaches we have on defense can also maximize his potential n skill set. I think he would be a steal if we make some deals to get more draft picks.
January 8th, 2020 at 6:11 am
Hes worth it, pay him
January 8th, 2020 at 6:18 am
Hard question is whether you re-sign or franchise Shaq at 18-20 mil per or sign Jadaveon Clowney to a 5 year @ 22-24 per. Sign Clowney and bring in his unique speed and athleticism , as well as his ability to draw double teams on 50% of his snaps. Barrett had an amazing year , but was it a product of Vea,Suh, and later Pierre-Paul allowing him to be single blocked almost always? I believe it was. Clowney will force teams to pick their poison and Jadaveon is far better in TFL.
January 8th, 2020 at 6:31 am
It’s a telling factoid that suh was on the line with the sack leader the last two years. Look at Donald. 9-12 sacks every year- 1 year with suh on the line 20.5 sacks. Suh gone 12.5. For the first time since we were actually very good we had a fearsome defensive line – and lo and behold the secondary looks way better. Keep it intact. Save money somewhere else. Draft online rb and find a qb and depth/development
January 8th, 2020 at 6:41 am
Let’s not forget that Suh is a big reason why we had a stout run defense. Some turn their nose up at having a great run D. Not me. Nothing worse than getting gashed all game by a good RB.
January 8th, 2020 at 6:50 am
Indeed TBW you are correct-Strong running game and a Stout D against the run are the cornerstones of being a #1 seed in the playoffs. The real question is whether BA will ever truly commit to a running game? ROJO averaged 4.2 per rush this year(which ain’t bad) , but we showed a lack of commitment to running.
January 8th, 2020 at 6:51 am
should be an exciting off-season, a lot of decisions to be made. No matter what your opinion is, it should be fun to watch it unfold. Just enjoy it and be a Buc fan
January 8th, 2020 at 6:59 am
The entire line is important, but if we have to pick the least important it would be Suh. We can find a big run stopper.
However, asking him to take a pay cut like that is unreasonable. $10 million is already a good price for him.
Want to save money? Golston has a $4,750,000 hit this year. There’s your savings.
Because Suh is not just solid and healthy, but he’s been one of the better leaders.
Besides, if we win a superbowl with him, he might retire a Buc. How ironic would that be?
January 8th, 2020 at 6:59 am
You’re right Joe, getting Ndamukong Suh to stay for $5 mil would be a steal. Offering him that would also be a gross insult. HOPEFULLY the Bucs are a LOT smarter than that. Suh is worth AT LEAST what he made last year ($9.25 mil). Personally I’d offer him $10 mil a year on a 2-year deal with 1-year guaranteed and pray that he accepts it, as opposed to opting instead to retire or sign someplace else. I want to see Suh retire as a BUCCANEER.
Personally I’ll put my trust in Todd Bowles to recognize what a beast he has in Suh, and how much he’s responsible for our DLine’s improved performance this year. And I’ll bet that BA will defer to TB also on ANYTHING that has to do with our defense. It just tells me how little some in the media really know about football when they would insult a ‘mountain man’ like Ndamukong Suh who anchored this DLine for 16 games with a proposed value of $5 mil.
And BTW, I don’t care if he’s 97 years old; I care about PERFORMANCE. And in case you didn’t notice, Suh outplayed Vea in virtually EVERY stat over the 16 games. I love Vea’s game, but he’s still got a ways to go to reach his true potential. He & Suh TOGETHER, with JPP (another old-timer) coming off the edge, DOMINATE. Does anyone REALLY think that JPP & Shaq would have gotten the sacks that they did without a DOMINANT interior DLine?
January 8th, 2020 at 7:03 am
Clowney has had one healthy year in his entire career. No thank you.
January 8th, 2020 at 7:05 am
@76
Yes sir. We must improve our run game. I don’t know the full answer on how to do it. What I believe is that we have the draft and money in free agency to figure it out. I am really excited about this team and the possibilities. Improving the run game should be priority #1. If we are about to turn the corner and start making the playoffs, the run game will be a must to compete. Doesn’t matter who the QB is, a good running game is going to help our QB/ team. Already imagining road games late in season or in playoffs in bad weather. Sure is nice to be able to turn to a strong run game in those situations.
January 8th, 2020 at 7:06 am
That’s interesting. How did I get a pic by my name?
January 8th, 2020 at 7:09 am
Defense Rules Says:
“I don’t care if he’s 97 years old; I care about PERFORMANCE. And in case you didn’t notice, Suh outplayed Vea in virtually EVERY stat over the 16 games.”
Couldn’t have said it any better lol.
January 8th, 2020 at 7:18 am
Take a look at Texans starting DT DJ Reader who will be a UFA @ only 25 years old.Pro Bowl alternate with a high motor and 6-3 340. Sign him to a 5 year deal and start building it for the future on the D-line.
Hitting the straight ball in golf and being in the fairway translates well to any golf course or weather condition , much the same as a good running game translates well to any stadium or any weather. As Jon Gruden always emphasized in SB run in 2002- “We Gotta Pound The Rock”.
January 8th, 2020 at 7:24 am
Will Gholston has been solid contributor for years and with 28 solo tackles he holds his own when he was on the field. The Bucs need both players,IMO to keep the rotation and production they had last year. Beau Allen was an expense that
didn’t play up to expectations and Gholston outplayed him. The bucs got out of his 2020 committment by reworking his contract.
January 8th, 2020 at 7:34 am
Just meet at 8 and call it a day. Then draft someone (maybe Kinlaw) and groom him with limited playing time this year.
January 8th, 2020 at 7:37 am
Draft a DT and save the money and get younger …same with Dotson
January 8th, 2020 at 7:38 am
He doesn’t show up on the stats but it’s jpp an Barret who have benefited from suh taking on double teams an doing the dirty work so those guys can ball out. It’s also the mentality that suh brings. Bring him back hopefully he takes a pay cut but either way bring him back
January 8th, 2020 at 7:45 am
Meh Suh.
January 8th, 2020 at 7:59 am
Suh showed the ability to score some points-always nice.
January 8th, 2020 at 8:06 am
These wankers like Trevor Sikkema who watch one Bucs game and then have the “game plan” and the cap advice are morons.
Anyone who did not see the value Suh added to this team needs to check himself.
The earlier post that said he was on the same side as the sack leader 2 years in a row is spot on. Donald was way down this year.
Suh is tough, durable, scored 2 TDs and there were zero issues with him, as in past places. Why? Because he was needed and respected here. I hope he likes it in Tampa, and I hope he comes back.
A phenomenal upgrade from the Ice Cream Man.
January 8th, 2020 at 8:28 am
Sign him!
January 8th, 2020 at 8:36 am
We had one of the best defensive lines in the NFL this year.BA loves Suh.Pay the man he is worth every penny.
January 8th, 2020 at 8:40 am
Scouts seem to think Yetur Gross-Matos is strictly a 4-3 DE. I don’t think that would be a good fit for the Bucs.
January 8th, 2020 at 8:43 am
i say 7mil with incentives that can bring it up to 9mil….
if he refuses, give him the same deal as last year…..
either way, he must be signed….
GO BUCS!!!!!!
January 8th, 2020 at 8:45 am
keep him, he’s a beast. agree with the 7 mill with incentives. 9 mill if they have too or just have the money to spare.
January 8th, 2020 at 9:02 am
He was worth every penny
January 8th, 2020 at 9:07 am
He is easily worth 9 mil for one more year.
January 8th, 2020 at 9:32 am
Suh brings an attitude , durability and passion that’s immeasurable in any stat line. He was exactly what we thought he would be and even better. He is absolutely worth every penny and I hope he stays and realizes the potential this defense has. Barrett and JPP’s sacks will drop immensely if we get rid of him. Will Gholston even seemed to get nastier and take on Suh’s demeanor. Suh not only makes the defense better but the oline because they have to go against him in practice. You know you’re in for a long day when you face a Suh led team.
Aaron Donald should cut a thank you check for Suh for getting him PAID.
January 8th, 2020 at 9:35 am
Give him a 2 year 16 mill with 10 guaranteed.
January 8th, 2020 at 9:37 am
Really want to see them all back, including Suh. Hope it works out. Don’t break up a good thing…if possible.
January 8th, 2020 at 9:43 am
How did we survive without Gerald?
January 8th, 2020 at 9:47 am
He likely wouldn’t break the D if we let him walk but I do not want to see him go. I like the attitude and although he may not show up on the stat sheets he is not only very disruptive but also still requires multiple double teams allowing others to roam free. I think at even 9 million he is still an asset to this squad. AT 33 though we will need to consider his replacement.
January 8th, 2020 at 9:51 am
Suh may have been playing “DE” this year, but it was a 5-tech DE, which is basically a stretched out DT. They’re still playing shades inside and moving into a 3-tech. Point being, you don’t replace Suh with your prototypical 4-3 DE or rush linebacker.
Suh is still worth $7 million at a minimum at this point in his career. That front 7 would take a step back if they lost Suh.
January 8th, 2020 at 9:51 am
I’m with Joe and all the guys who believe Suh is worth the money we are currently paying him.
As for his age…he is still young compared to Julius Peppers and Reggie White just two guys who come to mind who produced on the DL well into their late 30’s.
The fact that he is so durable leads one to believe he has as many years in the tank as HE wishes.
Suh is a renaissance man. Very well educated and well invested. Because of his Nebraska roots he’s buds with Warren Buffett.
Bottom line…AGAIN…$$$ here represent respect to him…he has NO NEED for any more $$$
I suspect that Suh will be deciding based on how he really feels about this defense and his teammates and Bowles.
Simply put is he happy here.
January 8th, 2020 at 10:43 am
This is the best d line play bucs have had in forever. He is a key cog to this defense, undoubtedly. It has to be a priority to retain his services. I am sure Shaq Barrett will get franchise tagged. So another big priority is re-signing JPP. He brings an immense level of leadership on top of his passrush repertoire. Just thinking about all the names from left to right sounds so amazing on paper: JPP, Vea, Suh, Shaq Barrett. We would be a force to contend with in a division that has questionable O-lines in Atlanta and Carolina.
January 8th, 2020 at 11:12 am
How much does McCoy make?
Exactly. Sign Suh. $9M is a bargain.
January 8th, 2020 at 11:27 am
“Speaking of someone that needs sleep (or needs to wake up), Suh was playing defensive end this year.”
Suh is 300+ lbs
Yetur Gross Matos is 264 lbs
Javeon Clowney is 255 lbs
Maybe Joe is the one that needs more sleep for even suggesting these players are interchangeable. The commentor knew what he was talking about. It’s like saying Noah Spence & Suh are the same position/type of player.
3-4 DE’s are basically DTs. It’s the OLB’s that are the edge rushers / DE’s in a 3-4… i.e. JPP / Shaq Barret/ Nassib…
January 8th, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Suh mentioned he came partly because of Bowles, hope that and 8 mil is enough for one more year.
Love Gross-Matos, imo a young JPP
January 8th, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Suh will not play here for less than what he feels he is worth. I’d like to see him back also.
January 8th, 2020 at 1:57 pm
Only way to let Suh go is if we draft 3-4 DT Javon Kinlaw. Pay a RT and a S.
January 8th, 2020 at 2:40 pm
All the hem hawing about a player who was one solely responsible for why we were #1 against the run. A player who came n making 2 million less than his predecessor GMAC. The same player this Trevor Sikkema bemoaned about us letting go. Suh is way better than GMC ever was.
January 8th, 2020 at 2:56 pm
I like Syh. But he’s a, Gun For Hire at the best price. He’s probably gone to the highest bidder next season. His philosophy is..I love a big bank account. And I cannot blame him for that. He’s smart.
January 8th, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Mike
Suh’s bank account is larger than all of us put together!!! HE DOES NOT NEED MONEY. He’s a very smart businessman off the field…nowhere near the typical dumb jock. He’ making a TON of money off the field. Not endorsements like most jocks…but wise investment.
January 8th, 2020 at 4:07 pm
It would be a huge mistake to let Suh go. Keep our great DL intact.
January 8th, 2020 at 4:37 pm
Pay the man
January 8th, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Suh, JPP and Barrett have all said things that say to me that they liked playing here this year and would be pleased to come back. The odds are pretty good that we will keep the same front seven together on defense. That would be significant!
Our current roster lists Will Gholston, Rakeem “Nacho” Nunez-Roches, Jeremiah Ledbetter and Beau Allen as DL. Sam acho is listed as DE. Anthony Nelson, Kahzin Daniels, Carl Nassib and Quinton Bell are shown as OLB. Some of these guys will surely be targeted for upgrade in the rotation during the off season.
There is room to bring in a potential long term replacement for Suh in the draft should the right guy be available in an early round.
January 9th, 2020 at 3:05 pm
I still think it all comes down to what they do with Winston. To me Suh earned his 9m last year. I also think Nassib ca be had for 6m. The big money will go to Shaq (16 or 17) & JPP around 12.