Suh dominates Day 2 of free agency
The free agency frenzy, trading outbreak and stunning retirements on 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 US, 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.
“This is the ultimate team sport. There’s no way I can do it by myself. I want to be a cornerstone. At the same time, our quarterback is going to be a cornerstone, Ryan Tannehill, who I have a lot of respect for: No. 1 because he has taken my hits.”
Suh, the second overall pick in 2010, had 36 sacks in five seasons in Detroit, including 8 ½ 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.
“To get a player of Ndamukong ’s stature says a lot about our organization,” director of football operations Mike Tannenbaum said. “The fact he chose us speaks volumes about our organization, our chance to win and the foundation that has been laid here.”
Other moves made on Wednesday:
Two days after being released by the Texans, Andre Johnson signed a three- year deal with the Colts. Terms were not immediately available. Johnson will replace one of his closest friends, Reggie Wayne, and team up with another, Frank Gore, to chase a Super Bowl title. Green Bay re- signed right tackle Bryan Bulaga, ensuring that the NFL’s highest- scoring team will keep its entire offence intact for 2015. The deal is believed to be for five years and $ 34 million, with an $ 8- million signing bonus. Jeremy Maclin signed a five- year deal with the Chiefs, giving head coach Andy Reid the kind of downthe- field threat that the franchise was sorely lacking last year. The contract is worth up to $ 55 million. The Chiefs also agreed to a threeyear deal with offensive guard Paul Fanaika. The Broncos inked contracts with two tight ends, re- signing Virgil Green for $ 7.5 million over three years and veteran Owen Daniels for three years and $ 12 million.
Daniels, a two- time Pro Bowler, has played all nine of his seasons for new Broncos coach Gary Kubiak. The Jets acquired quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick from Houston, and he was replaced there by Brian Hoyer. Fitzpatrick, 32, is expected to push Geno Smith for the starting job with New York. He reunites with Chan Gailey, who coached Fitzpatrick in Buffalo and is the Jets’ new offensive co- ordinator.
Hoyer, formerly of the Browns, will compete with Ryan Mallett with the Texans.
Chicago agreed to terms with LB Pernell McPhee on a five- year contract. McPhee played behind Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil in Baltimore and had 7 ½ sacks last season.
“I wanted to come and be a part of bringing that tradition back,” McPhee said of the Monsters of the Midway, who haven’t been too monstrous of late.
“You know, a hard- nosed playing defence, play with violence, play with an attitude, play with a swag. Just go out there and dominate the game.”
Cincinnati refortified its offensive
line by re- signing guard Clint Boling and OT Eric Winston, the president of the players’ union. Tampa Bay released DE Michael Johnson, an expensive free agent the Bucs added last year, and tackle Anthony Collins. They also agreed to a four- year, $ 20.5- million deal with linebacker Bruce Carter.
The Bills released starting tight end
Scott Chandler.
St. Louis traded with Houston for backup QB Case Keenum and also re- signed tight end Lance Kendricks.
Minnesota re- signed DT Tom John
son and added QB Shaun Hill to back up Teddy Bridgewater.
New England added to its receiving group by signing Brandon Gibson and Kevin Dorsey, and re- signing Brian Tyms.
Philadelphia added CB Walter Thur
mond III on a one- year contract. Also, the Eagles have agreed to a three- year contract with running back Ryan Mathews. The contract is reportedly worth $ 11.5 million with $ 5 million guaranteed.