With Ndamukong Suh eligible for unrestricted free agency this coming March, the Lions need to do whatever they can to make sure the star defensive tackle stays in Detroit, writes Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. Rothstein even suggests that the team will have to consider franchising Suh if the two sides can’t reach a longer-term deal, since his value to the Lions’ defense makes paying a premium worthwhile.
Here’s more from around the NFC North:
- A source close to Adrian Peterson tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report that Peterson’s camp would like to reach a settlement on his suspension appeal, but the Vikings running back isn’t interested in any deal that would see his ban stretch into next season.
- Scott Soshnick of Bloomberg Sports passes along some details on Troy Vincent‘s testimony from Peterson’s hearing, noting that the NFL executive told Peterson he would be subject to the league’s old personal conduct policy rather than the new one.
- Bears general manager Phil Emery is likely experiencing some buyer’s remorse after extending Jay Cutler last January, says Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune, suggesting that the decision could ultimately cost Emery his job.
- In spite of speculation that the Bears might consider other quarterback options for next year and beyond, head coach Marc Trestman told reporters today, including Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com (Twitter link), that the club has never wavered on its commitment to Cutler.