Even before the season began, Detroit Lions fans were fantasizing about a reunion with Ndamukong Suh, the team’s first-round pick in 2010. Suh has enjoyed an illustrious career since leaving Detroit in 2015, and because the Lions have been thin at defensive tackle, many believed it was time to bring Suh—who has been a free agent all year—back home.
With the news this week that defensive tackle Alim McNeill will miss the next four games on injured reserve, Suh’s same has re-entered the zeitgeist.
But on Wednesday afternoon, Lions head coach Dan Campbell pretty much squashed any hopes of a return to Detroit. When asked if the Lions had considered adding Suh to help their their shorthanded defensive line, Campbell essentially said he and general manager Brad Holmes look everywhere and they’re content with who they have.
“We haven’t overlooked anybody,” Campbell said. “Brad, we got all up there. We’ve looked at everybody, so at this moment, we’ve made the decision we felt like was best for us.”
Admittedly, Suh would have been an intriguing addition. Outside of it being a fun story, Suh has continued to have a little juice in him. In 2020 and 2021, he had six sacks in each season. Though in eight game appearances for the Eagles last year, he produced just 13 pressures, one sack, and a 55.5 PFF pass rush grade.
“It’s got to be a team in the mix, and you want to play with great athletes,” Suh told Sky Sports NFL back in late October.
“It’s a great opportunity (for) Levi (Onwuzurike), Brodric (Martin), (Quinton) Bohanna, (Isaiah) Buggs), everybody,” Campbell said. “We’re looking at next man up and these guys are going to have an opportunity to prove their worth here.”
In addition to those players, the Lions did sign veteran Tyson Alualu to their practice squad. However, like many midseason veteran additions, the Lions will wait for him to get up to speed before putting him on the field.
“He’s a guy who brings the floor (up). He brings stability,” Campbell said. “So you kinda know what you’re going to get, exactly what you’re going to get, and that brings us comfort. He’s got a little versatility to him, and there again, he’s an addition to the roster. So once we get him to where we feel like, ‘Alright he’s in game shape,’ or he’s ready to do that, then we’ll make a decision. Let’s see if he can help us.”
