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First-team All Pro defensive tackle Marcell Dareus is likely smiling ear to ear right now, knowing that fellow first-team All Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is about to sign a six-year, $114 million contract, including $60 million guaranteed, with the Miami Dolphins. ESPN's Chris Mortensen had the report.
Ndamukong Suh will sign with #Dolphins on Tuesday based off parameters around $114 million and $60 million guaranteed, per sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 8, 2015
Suh also will get $60 million in first 3 years of 6-year contract, based on parameters set between #Dolphins and Suh's agent, Jimmy Sexton.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 8, 2015
Suh, 28, will become the richest defender in NFL history when the deal is signed, surpassing J.J. Watt of Houston in the process. In his first five years in the league, Suh has racked up 36 sacks en route to four Pro Bowl berths and three stops on the first team All Pro list. Suh was the third-best defensive tackle in the league in 2014 based on Pro Football Focus grading, with a plus-27.5 positive grade.
By comparison, Dareus, 24, has accumulated 28.5 sacks in his four years as a pro, making two Pro Bowls and one All Pro team in that time frame. He ranked right behind Suh on PFF's ratings in 2014, at No. 4 overall with a plus-25.6 rating.
Dareus is entering the final year of his rookie contract, during which he will make a fully guaranteed $8.06 million. But signing Dareus to a long-term contract extension will be the Buffalo Bills' top priority once the bulk of their work this offseason has concluded, and Suh's deal will play a part in Dareus' next deal. Dareus is just as good as Suh against the run - if not better - but Suh is a more impactful pass rusher, despite the relatively similar sack production.
It's no slam dunk that Dareus' next deal will exceed Suh's, but given the fact that he'll be just 25 next offseason and is widely regarded one of the best in the business at his position, you can bet that his agents will be bringing up Suh's name and numbers.