Ndamukong Suh’s “Goal” To Play For Bucs In 2021
February 17th, 2021
Wants to sip the nectar of a second ring.
Ndamukong Suh intends to hold Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bruce Arians and Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to their word.
Joe got the scoop from Suh 2 1/2 weeks ago, but he was talking more about it recently.
Last week after the boozy boat parade to celebrate the Bucs’ Super Bowl win, the team docked and partied more on land when Arians and Licht used some very colorful language that made local TV producers gasp and sleeveless-blouse-wearing news anchors blush.
After Arians and Licht were finished chugging Bud Lights in the Florida sun, they proclaimed the Bucs’ band was staying together.
And Bucs defensive lineman Suh hopes it wasn’t just the Bud Lights talking.
Suh told Albert Breer of SI.com that his “goal” is to return and chase another ring. In fact, he’s already had personal discussions about returning with Licht and park-violating, home-invading, NFLPA-ignoring, down-forgetting, handshake-stiffing, jet-ski-losing, biscuit-baking, tequila-shooting, trophy-throwing Bucs Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady.
Suh is a pending free agent.
“My goal is to come back and have an opportunity to go win another championship,” Suh told Albert Breer of SI.com. “Me and Tom [Brady] spoke the other day about that opportunity, as well as with Jason Licht. I don’t know if you saw our parade celebration on that podium, coach [Bruce Arians] said I’m not going anywhere, and he’s usually a man of his word. So I look forward to the opportunity to continue to play, especially for Tampa. And I honestly believe I have a lot of elite, great talent left in me to play. I’m not ready to hang them up yet.”
Joe isn’t sure the Bucs can afford Suh at his current $8 million salary. If Suh agrees to take a cut, OK. Joe doesn’t expect Suh to do that.
Suh is the very definition of “dependable.” He has only missed two starts in his career since being drafted in 2010, and those two were a suspension for stomping on then-Packers center Evan Dietrich-Smith.
That just blows Joe away that a defensive tackle has started all but two games in 11 years, and the two games he missed had nothing to do with an injury.
Just for argument’s sake, let’s say the Bucs were toying with the idea of obtaining J.J. Watt or keeping Suh instead. For Joe, this is a no-brainer. Only twice since 2015 has Watt started more than eight games in a season. Suh > Watt, no doubt.
February 17th, 2021 at 12:22 am
Damn! When Brady retires from QB make him boss of the front office. You know he won’t ever wanna be away from the game. Or…HC? Sounds like a dream.
February 17th, 2021 at 12:37 am
Brady gonna take a pay cut watch I bet he does.
February 17th, 2021 at 1:13 am
Suh-Vea-Watt would create a legendary defense.
Give Su and Watt 2-year deals with salaries ballooning in 2022 and bonus money.
February 17th, 2021 at 1:39 am
Good news on a man named Suh
February 17th, 2021 at 2:29 am
Not sure how accurate these numbers are, but these are the top 5 highest paid players in 2021. Mike Evans already said he would restructure his contract. Dovovan Smith sure could help out by taking a pay cut.
Tom Brady $28,375,000
Mike Evans $16,637,500
Donovan Smith $14,250,000
Jason Pierre-Paul $12,500,000
Ali Marpet $12,025,000
February 17th, 2021 at 2:41 am
Suh is a clear upgrade over GMC. Would the Gerald McCoy of his last few seasons as a Buc even start on this defense? Not a chance.
February 17th, 2021 at 2:45 am
“Suh-Vea-Watt would create a legendary defense”
In 2013 yes it would.
February 17th, 2021 at 3:55 am
Joe, correct me if I’m wrong, didn’t I read or hear you say on a pod that you would just call Brady the GOAT instead of all that nonsense if he were to lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl title?
February 17th, 2021 at 5:45 am
“Joe isn’t sure the Bucs can afford Suh at his current $8 million salary. If Suh agrees to take a cut, OK. Joe doesn’t expect Suh to do that.”
Ndamukong Suh would be the FIRST defensive player I’d re-sign, even before LVD. And yes, I’d gladly pay him the same $8 mil that he made this past year. Reason? Suh is the ANCHOR of our DLine, and great TEAMS are built starting in the trenches IMO.
As good as Vita Vea is, he’s not the anchor of our DLine. He will be one day, but he’s not there yet. Suh is. Look at their productivity over the past two years together:
o Vea – 23 games (incl playoffs) … 1036 def snaps total … 4.5 sacks … 15 QB Hits … 7 TFLs … 46 Tackles (incl 26 solo) … 3 PDs … 0 FF with 0 FRs.
o Suh – 36 games (incl playoffs) … 1866 def snaps total … 10 sacks … 37 QB Hits … 17 TFLs … 95 Tackles (incl 53 solo) … 6 PDs … 1 FF with 4 FRs.
In general terms, Suh’s had roughly TWICE the productivity that Vea’s had over the past 2 seasons. And yes, there are those who’ll say ‘But Suh was on the field more’. Precisely; productivity STARTS with availability, and Suh is a beast. He’s thre when you need him, every game. Kinda like an ANCHOR? (There when you need it?). Suh AND Vea complement each other perfectly. Together, they’re close to being unblockable. Ask Aaron Rodgers or Patrick Mahomes for their opinions.
I’m glad you added that ‘Suh > Watt, no doubt’. Their numbers last year were almost identical (both played 16 games), but over the past 5 years Suh wins out easily on AVAILABILITY (80 regular season games versus 48 games for JJ). Oh and Suh made $8 mil last year; Watt made $15.5 mil last year. I’d stick with Ndamukong Suh every day of the week.
February 17th, 2021 at 6:01 am
Defense Rules- Love the breakdown and it’s hard to argue against signing Suh as a priority. IMO, and as you state, Suh is that “anchor.” While admirable in spelling him, Nunez-Roches and McLendon were not nearly as productive.
There will be some really tough decisions to make regarding FAs. I think we also need to lock up Shaq Barrett. While I know LVD is out there too, the trenches are where games are won and lost. IMO, David’s production would be easier to replace than Suh’s. Now, Suh’s getting up there in age, so that has to be considered as well.
I’m not saying either outplayed the other. I’m just looking at the positions in general. Please debate if you feel differently.
As to Watt, the best ability is availability. Sorry.
February 17th, 2021 at 6:17 am
Sounds good to me!
We are lucky to have him as TT on the defensive side of the ball
A high character guy and much smarter than the average bear !
February 17th, 2021 at 6:34 am
I think the team is waiting to see where the cap lands. After they get that number you will see a couple restructured contracts.
February 17th, 2021 at 6:54 am
Trenches. Sign him.
February 17th, 2021 at 6:56 am
Mitch … Agree with you; until teams know what the real salary CAP number is for 2021, re-signings will be on hold for the most part. Over-committing prematurely could end up being the kiss of death if the salary CAP decreases to say $180 mil.
Bucsfanman … Totally agree with you about locking up Shaq; quality OLBs & DEs don’t grow on trees. I see Shaq as a fantastic complement to Vea & Suh & JPP, but not as a lead dog. In his case, I’m guessing that a long-term contract (say 4 yrs with 2 yrs guaranteed) be be more CAP-friendly to the Bucs than franchising him once again (that’d cost $19 mil for 2021 it looks like).
Personally I’d do a similar deal for LVD: 4 yrs with 2 yrs guaranteed, averaging say $10 mil per year, but again CAP-friendly for 2021. Our goal must be to ‘keep the band together’ for another run at the SB this year. And although defensive players like Nunez-Roches, Gholston & say Minter aren’t as productive as our starters, Bucs desperately need to keep those key rotational players in the fold for another SB run.
February 17th, 2021 at 7:00 am
I ll eat crow. I was wrong about suh
He has been great here in tampa
Washington thinks they probably have best inside 2 pass rush
I ll take vea and suh
You cant double both
One on one and they can just bull rush their match up right into the qb
February 17th, 2021 at 7:11 am
And i put the super bowl on tv in background when doing stuff around house like cleaning
Suh hit (with an assist from udfa Gill) on mahommes was a car wreck. Surprised Mahommes got up after that. Almost fumbled it away.
February 17th, 2021 at 7:17 am
DR, I agree with you about Suh being an “anchor”, but would add I also consider Vea an “anchor.” Most yachts have two.
IMO, both are irreplaceable in this defense.
A team can never have too many excellent Big Uglies, period, end of the story. They, and not the flashy pretty boys, are the difference between winning and losing at any level of football.
Suh is critical to the Bucs 2021 future success. He cannot be replaced. Fans may not agree with this, but most assuredly the management & coaching staff do.
I like Watt, and Joe is right: he cannot stay healthy. Unless he comes dirt cheap, I would pass, although the thought is intriguing.
Suh needs to be a priority for the Bucs.
February 17th, 2021 at 7:22 am
@DR: Suh and Vea play different positions on the DL.
A NT will never have big stats. In fact, Vea’s stats as a NT are incredible compared to an outside down lineman in a 3-4, much less one like Suh.
NT’s Prime Objective: swallow as many OL as possible and let the other jackals hunt. If you can push the pocket back toward the QB, YUGE bonus!
February 17th, 2021 at 7:26 am
I agree that Suh needs to be a priority for the Bucs.
February 17th, 2021 at 7:37 am
Suh admitted he was sick of double teams and was looking forward to vea coming back cause vea got the double teams
So not sure you can compare the two stat wise (imo)
And i know sapp got a lot of doubles and still produced and aaron for rams still produced
Vea is a true NT though
——
On a side note , did you see bucs get creative with vea in super bowl
Had him at right defensive end. Every time he took the left tackle and drove him straight back towards the qb. I think they should do this from time to time in the future. A few individuals ( you know who you are) claimed vea was just an average nobody. 😂. D ends were feasting with vea back and pushing the pocket back.
February 17th, 2021 at 8:00 am
Cobraboy … You had me LMAO with the “most yachts have two (anchors)” comment. That’s sorta kinda what I meant by COMPLEMENTARY; Vea & Suh TOGETHER are unblockable. Well, unless the opposing offense double-teams both of them, then JPP & Shaq have a field day.
Suh has indicated that he wants to play several more years, and yes he’d like it to be with the Bucs. Folks should forget his age & look instead at his PERFORMANCE on the field … he’s playing at a HOF level now & has been for his whole career. Most teams would kill to have a DLineman who performs game-in & game-out at his level. And at only $8 mil per season; that’s a steal IMO. Bucs need to pay the man & be grateful if he accepts.
February 17th, 2021 at 8:03 am
“Joe isn’t sure the Bucs can afford Suh at his current $8 million salary.”
YES THEY CAN. And here is why:
“He has only missed two starts in his career since being drafted in 2010, and those two were a suspension . . ..”
Such is a great influence. He is still the glue that holds this Defense. What happened when that idiot Raheem cut Brooks?
February 17th, 2021 at 8:17 am
Suh, as a financially smart person, will not have his life change by putting another 2M in his bank account (8 vs 6M).
February 17th, 2021 at 8:32 am
Suh should be resigned even at 8mil.
LVD can walk and I’m ok with that. We’re in a good spot at 32 to draft his replacement.
Franchise Shaq again.
Hope to keep Godwin but not likely.
Jensen, Marpet and Gholston need to restructure.
Draft LB, OL, DL in first 3 rounds.
And don’t be surprised if Brady does take less.
That would be great news too, because then we could break the bank and double the pay for that big go-getter ……. Durable Donnie!
February 17th, 2021 at 8:47 am
richardtyson – D. Smith would never take a pay cut nor should he. Because Smith is in his final year the bucs only have 3 options. Leave him alone and let his contract expire. Resign him to an extension to give us relief or outright cut him to get relief. There are no options at LT better than Smith available so we are not cutting him. If it was me I would resign him to another 3 year extension and restructure the extension like the Cards did with their LT. IF thats what we need to do for some cap.
February 17th, 2021 at 9:02 am
No. Only admitted he’s a farm animal. Joe has always been in Joe Montana’s corner but what Brady has done for the Bucs in addition to his resume in New England is just too overwhelming to be objective and suggest any quarterback is better.
Monikers stay, largely because they are true! 🙂
February 17th, 2021 at 9:04 am
Good. He needs to give a discount
February 17th, 2021 at 9:31 am
“A few individuals ( you know who you are) claimed vea was just an average nobody. 😂. D ends were feasting with vea back and pushing the pocket back.”
…….
Yes! That would be Rod Munch. None of us know anything about football.
February 17th, 2021 at 9:35 am
“Monikers stay largely because they are true”😁
……………
Really? Jameis Winston was never America’s quarterback. He was never a pro bowler he was a pro bowl alternate yet you glorified him. He was really a BB gun toting sexual harassing obscenity screaming turnover machine. But you carry-on with your business model. As biased as it is
February 17th, 2021 at 9:46 am
Suh is a terror for any O lineman that has to face him. That alone is worth the money. He was unstoppable in the SB. As Cobraboy mentioned, the Dline ties up Oline and fills gaps so LB’s can come up and make tackles. Suh is worth every penny. TB12 may take a cut because he wants to not because he is shamed into it, Evan’s already committed and if Smith & JPP take team friendly deals that would help a lot. If Smith doesn’t, that’s the one O lineman Bucs can move on from.
Oh, let’s not forget what Suh did to help Stinnies game!
February 17th, 2021 at 10:04 am
Suh is the key.
February 17th, 2021 at 10:24 am
Suh is an underrated key to this defense. Gotta keep him.
February 17th, 2021 at 12:58 pm
@David … “Good. He needs to give a discount”.
I still have trouble understanding why so many JBFers insist that players like LVD or Suh NEED to give the Bucs a discount if they want to stay. Both of them are top performers at their positions REGARDLESS of age, and they both played key roles in getting us to the Super Bowl … and in us winning it.
It’s not a fan’s job to do the GM’s work for him (I have to keep reminding MYSELF of that too BTW). Compensation is NEGOTIATED by the players’ agents & Bucs’ management; fans don’t get a seat at the table. I don’t envy Jason Licht that part of his job, but someone has to be responsible for keeping a very close eye on ‘the BIG PICTURE’. LOTS of mouths to feed, but some eat a lot more than some others do. Tough job, but I’m sure that he too gets paid handsomely to do it.
As tight as our money seems to be, take a look sometime at New Orleans’ 2021 salary CAP situation. With 44 players under contract, we’re sitting at #12 with $27.8 remaining (Spotrac is assuming a $198 mil salary CAP for 2021). With 58 players under contract, Saints are sitting at #32 with MINUS $65.6 mil remaining (yup, that was MINUS … lots of cutting on the horizon for them). Falcons aren’t all that much better off, sitting at #29 with MINUS $23.2 mil with only 42 players under contract. Bucs & Carolina are pretty much neck-and-neck. Fun times ahead for everyone it looks like.
February 17th, 2021 at 1:01 pm
David … Spotrac is assuming a $185 mil salary Cap for 2021, not $198 mil (that was for 2020). My bad.
February 17th, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Suh has always been a money first player, I wouldn’t expect him to accept much of a home town discount.
However, with all the team caps decreasing, I think the free agent marketplace will be tepid this offseason. Licht and other GMS will have to be careful not to bid against themselves. The upside is that Tampa Bay might be in a pretty good position to bring most of the band back, especially if they free up cap space by extending Brady and Donovan Smith. Smith’s late season run and postseason play improved considerably over what I saw earlier in the season. He may not be a premium LT, but this isn’t a position you want to screw with.
I think the draft priorities have to correspond to next season’s anticipated cap hits and free agency flight. The OL is due for possible free agency turnover after 2021, with Smith (if not extended), Jensen and Cappa all due to hit the market.
February 17th, 2021 at 5:48 pm
Agree completely with D.R. and Cobra…what else is new. Suh is a SPECIAL talent.
And let’s DO talk about his age! He’s 34 this year. Another HOFer Reggie Brown got 12 sacks when he was 34. Different responsibility but Brown was still performing. Oh btw how about Suh’s age going forward.
In two years Suh will be 35. @35 Peppers got double digit sacks.
But here is the magic age. Suh should really explode in three years!
@37 Peppers had 11 sacks Reggie White exploded for 16 sacks!!!!
Both of these men were exceptional players. Is there any reason to doubt Suh is an exceptional player?
February 17th, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Oops White not Brown
February 17th, 2021 at 10:54 pm
My vote – find a way, JL, to re-sign Suh. SUH is one of those players that you only realize too late, that he was a difference maker in the scheme. Dude is on the field EVERY play he is asked to be there. Missed what? 2 games in his career? Sign HIM!
February 18th, 2021 at 2:46 pm
Well of course he’s never been inured!! Look at the guy he’s a friggin brick house bro!! … He’s got the bone density of a dang gorilla!! You put Suh in a cage with a … Well maybe not gorilla they are too strong… But let’s say put him in with a smaller monkey maybe an ape… That ape is strong as any 4 of us regular suburbanites … But so is Suh!! If I had to put money on that fight I may pick Suh to win… He’s a monster man!!! I’ve never seen anyone in my life as strong as that guy!! If he gets ahold of you it’s over, you’re going down!!