Ndamukong Suh claims Lions undervalued him: “I deserved more than Stafford’s $135M deal”

Suh Reflects on His Time with the Lions and Contract Controversy:

Ndamukong Suh, the former Detroit Lions defensive tackle, is making headlines once again, this time as he reflects on his tenure with the team and the contracts that shaped his career. Following his announcement to retire from professional football after a remarkable 13-year journey, Suh is candid about his feelings regarding compensation during his time in Detroit.

The Legacy of the Lions’ Draft Class

Between 2007 and 2010, the Detroit Lions experienced a transformative period in the NFL Draft, selecting three franchise cornerstones: Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, and Ndamukong Suh. These players formed what many referred to as the “big three” for the organization. Suh, a standout at Nebraska and the second overall pick in the 2010 draft, quickly established himself as a dominant force on the field, earning five Pro Bowl selections and three First Team All-Pro honors.

As Suh closes the chapter on his playing career, he is not shy about revisiting the circumstances of his exit from Detroit. He believes that his contributions and potential warranted a higher financial acknowledgment from the franchise compared to that of his peers.

In a recent statement, Suh articulated his disappointment over the financial disparity between his contract negotiations and those of Stafford. During a period when the Lions were extending contracts for their star players, Suh felt overlooked. “Detroit really gave me the short end of the stick,” he remarked, underscoring his belief that he deserved a deal that exceeded Stafford’s lucrative five-year, $135 million extension signed in 2015.

Suh argued that as the next first-round pick following Stafford, he viewed himself as a key pillar in the franchise’s future. “I felt like I was going to be a cornerstone for them,” he stated, expressing frustration that the organization did not recognize his value in the same light as their quarterback. “They didn’t value me enough to say, ‘Hey, you’re not going to be paid more than our quarterback.’”

Comparative Contracts in the Spotlight

To further illustrate his point, Suh referenced the contracts of both Stafford and Calvin Johnson. Stafford’s deal, which averaged $27 million per year, set a high bar for quarterback compensation. Meanwhile, Johnson’s eight-year, $132 million extension, averaging $16.5 million annually, also established him as one of the league’s highest-paid receivers at the time.

In the wake of his retirement, Suh’s remarks have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Many are left to ponder whether the Lions could have better recognized the contributions of their defensive star during his prime.

As Suh prepares to transition into life after football, his reflections serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding player contracts in the NFL. The ongoing conversation about player valuation and recognition is one that resonates deeply within the league, especially for those who have left a lasting impact on their teams.