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.”
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.