Though his destination had been known for several days, the Dolphins waited until Wednesday to announce the signing of Ndamukong Suh. The free agent defensive tackle officially became the highest paid defensive player in NFL history, receiving a deal worth $114 million over six years with $60 million guaranteed.
Ndamukong Suh says signing with Dolphins about more than money
Meanwhile, owner Stephen Ross says he’s “confident” that the team did not break any rules in its negotiations for Suh.
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
But according to Suh, his choice to leave the Detroit Lions for South Florida wasn't just because of the cash. "I wouldn't say money is the most important factor," he said. "I think at all levels, players in the NFL want to be rewarded in many different ways. For me, there's lots of opportunities to be rewarded." Suh also cited the opportunity to play with Brent Grimes and Cameron Wake as reasons for joining Miami.
While Suh met the local media for the first time, it was also a big day for the Dolphins’ brain trust of Mike Tannenbaum and Dennis Hickey. “We feel like we’re adding a great person first,” Hickey explained. “Suh takes as much pride in setting up teammates as anything else.” Hickey discussed the experience of negotiating with Suh’s agent Jimmy Sexton as challenging, but added that the experience allowed him and others in the personnel department to relive some memories from their 2011 draft preparation.
Team owner Stephen Ross was asked about the reports that the Dolphins and Suh had illegally reached an agreement during the legal tampering period of free agency. Ross said he was “confident” that no rules were broken and that the team acted appropriately.
But everything comes back to Suh, who says he’s “excited” about handling the pressure to help Miami return to the playoffs. “As a person, I always like to live up to what’s put ahead of me,” Suh said. His contract certainly creates high expectations, as he’ll make more in guarantees than some of the league’s top quarterbacks.
As for Suh's reputation as a dirty player following him to Miami, he said he wasn't concerned. "I think it's about compartmentalizing," he said. "I'm going to continue to be the kind of person my parents taught me to be." Suh has faced discipline from the league multiple times over his career. Most recently, he was suspended one game for stepping on the leg of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That suspension was later overturned, however.
With Suh signed, the Dolphins have likely made their last major free agent signing. They can now turn their attention to dealing receiver Mike Wallace and the upcoming NFL Draft.
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