The Detroit Lions are apparently doing their due diligence on a possible Ndamukong Suh trade.
The Lions have conversed with other teams about trading Suh, Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman reported Friday.
Those talks are "not even serious," according to the report, with the Lions merely feeling out what other teams might be willing to give up in terms of draft picks.
According to Freeman, even if the Lions became serious about trading Suh -- if contract talks completely fall apart -- they might not find many dance partners. There is a belief that Suh, while dominant on the field, lacks self-control.
The recent rumors follow consternation about Suh skipping the team's voluntary workouts. Critics believe the defensive tackle displayed a lack of leadership by missing them. (Barry Sanders used to skip voluntary workouts, too.)
Suh deserves criticism for his on-field actions, stomps, illegal hits, cheap shots and more than $200,000 in fines. Given those issues -- coupled with a looming monster contract -- it's smart business for the Lions to check on trade options.
It's also not likely to happen.
Skittish trade partners aside, the Lions can't afford to trade Suh.
In a win-now mode, general manager Martin Mayhew -- whose seat isn't exactly cool -- can't get rid of his most dominant defensive player. After saying he won't pick up Nick Fairley's fifth-year option, Mayhew is proverbially committed to Suh long term.
With a feeble secondary, Suh is the Lions' Jenga piece. Taking him out of the equation weakens the pass rush and collapses any chance of competing against the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler in the NFC North.
It makes perfect sense for the team to check on Suh's potential value. It also makes perfect sense for them not to trade the three-time first team All-Pro defensive tackle.
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