Detroit Lions free agency preview: How to replace Suh?
After allowing the most-prized free agent to walk out their doors, the Detroit Lions must find a new identity on defense.
Ndamukong Suh was the centerpiece of the Lions' defense for the last five seasons. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will have to reassemble a unit that finished among the top in every category.
Along with Suh's anticipated departure is other defensive linemen such as Nick Fairley, C.J. Mosley and Andre Fluellen.
How will general manager Martin Mayhew navigate free agency's waters this offseason?
How they finished:
2014: 11-5 -- Loss in Wild Card round against Dallas
2013: 7-9 -- No postseason
Adjusted salary cap space: $17 million
Potential free-agency targets: Looking to bolster their defensive line, the Lions could opt to go after Cleveland's Ahtyba Rubin or New York's Kenrick Ellis.
Potential cap casualties: Linebacker Stephen Tulloch is entering the fourth year of his five-year deal and is scheduled to make a base salary of $4.5 million. Tulloch, who tore his ACL after a sack celebration, was never a natural fit in Austin's scheme and could be a savvy salary dump.
Offseason needs: CB, DL, OL
Notable free agents:
DT Ndamukong Suh
DT Nick Fairley
DT C.J. Mosley
DT Andre Fluellen
DE George Johnson
OL Garrett Reynolds
C Dominic Raiola
LG Rob Sims
CB Rashean Mathis
CB Cassius Vaughn
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