Ndamukong Suh
Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) gets tackled by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) defensive end Darryl Tapp (52) and outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Lions win 16-14. REUTERS/Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions are optimistic that they can finalise a deal with Ndamukong Suh but currently has no deal in place with the star defensive tackle. The team’s general manager Martin Mayhew confirmed the news on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

"It's not done. Still working on it. Still very optimistic we'll be able to get it done," Martin Mayhew said in the league’s official website when asked of the contract negotiations between the Lions and Suh. "Priority No. 1 is getting a deal done with him. So that's what we're focused on right now is trying to get something done with him. We'll cross the other bridges of other players whenever we get to those."

Mayhew admitted that Suh have his preferences including playing for a winning team and he said that the team can provide that mentioning that they have a good quarterback in Matthew Stafford, a good coach in Jim Caldwell, who led the team to a 11-5 record last season and a top-notch defence that led all teams in the league in lowest rushing yards allowed at 69.3 yards per game.

Suh, who was drafted second overall in the 2010 NFL Draft has played for five seasons all with the Detroit franchise. Suh, at 28 years old, is considered one of the best defensive players in the league the past seasons making the Pro Bowl in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014. He was also named to the NFL First Team All Pro four times in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014. Suh will hit free agency on March 10, 2015 if the Lions don’t lock him down to a contract.

The Lions can choose to put the “franchise tag” on Suh to assure that he stays with the team but that would mean a big hit to their team salary cap It would cost the franchise $26.87 million for the 2015 season if they use the tag on Suh. Detroit made the playoffs in 2014 but lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 24-20 in a controversial wildcard game.

Email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au to contact author.

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