Byron Maxwell

If defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh bolts in free agency, the Detroit Lions could use their cap space to aggressively pursue other top free agents, such as Seattle cornerback Byron Maxwell.

(AP File Photo)

After declining to use the franchise tag, the Detroit Lions no longer control Ndamukong Suh's future. The team remains committed to getting a long-term deal done, but there's simply no guarantee they can once the rest of the league is permitted to bid on the All-Pro defensive tackle's services.

The Lions have plenty of cap space to work with heading into the start of free agency -- $16.6 million to be exact. And even with a six-year deal, topping $100 million, it's likely Suh's first-year cap hit would range between $6-10 million (not including the $9.7 million in dead money that's already factored into the cap space calculation).

But let's say Suh walks, taking another team's offer. Suddenly the Lions have a lot of money to work with to address their slew of roster needs. As a reminder of how far cap space can stretch, the team inked Glover Quin, Chris Houston, Reggie Bush, Jason Jones and C.J. Mosley to multi-year deals in 2013, with a combined first-year cap hit under $10 million.

Relieved of a monstrous financial obligation to Suh, here are three completely hypothetical, yet feasible ways the Lions could attack free agency.

Option one: Sign cornerback Byron Maxwell, running back C.J. Spiller, defensive tackle Jared Odrick and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin.

Analysis: Maxwell is currently the cream of the cornerback market crop. He's the total package with outstanding size, speed and championship experience. And at 27 years old, he's entering his physical prime.

Spiller has a long injury history, but there's not a more clear-cut, home-run hitter available.

Odrick is a well-rounded, durable defensive tackle who begins to help fill the gaping hole left by Suh's departure, while Rubin gives Detroit a beefy run-stuffer to replace C.J. Mosley.

Option two: Sign offensive guard Mike Iupati, defensive tackle Nick Fairley, running back Pierre Thomas and defensive tackle Corey Peters

Analysis: If the Lions are committed to running the football, there isn't a better offensive lineman on the market than Iupati. But he's not without flaws. While a dominant road grader in the ground game, he's inconsistent in pass protection, surrendering as much pass-rush pressure as Rob Sims last season.

In this scenario, the Lions roll the dice on Fairley and hope he turns the corner with his durability issues, plus add Peters, a good interior run defender, for depth.

Thomas is older (30) and coming off a down season, which means he should come with a reasonable price tag. He's obviously familiar with the scheme after eight years in New Orleans and has been highly production as both a receiver (327 receptions) and a ball carrier (4.6 yards per carry) during his career.

Option three: Sign cornerback Kareem Jackson, defensive tackle Dan Williams and defensive tackle Stephen Paea

Analysis: Jackson is a step below Maxwell, but offers versatility with his ability to man the slot. He's still young, turning 27 next month, and has desirable ball skills, registering seven interceptions and 34 pass breakups the past three seasons.

Williams and Paea would give Detroit two starting-caliber interior lineman under the age of 30 with different skill sets. Williams is a load at 327 pounds and stout against the run. Paea exhibits great burst off the line and has the ability to be a highly disruptive pass rusher.

Conclusion: All this is to say, it won't be the end of the world if Suh leaves. He's unquestionably the best player available, but Detroit could fill multiple spots with quality starters using the funds that would have gone toward retaining the defensive tackle.

The most important thing for the Lions is Suh decides quickly. The market settles rapidly in the NFL, and if he takes his talents elsewhere after taking two or more days to decide, the Lions could lose out on several backup options.

The benefit to having more than $16 million in space, plus the ability to free up more by restructuring Calvin Johnson or Matthew Stafford's contract, is the Lions aren't completely handcuffed by Suh's decision. The team has the funds to chase other needs, even if a long-term deal to retain the defensive tackle is ultimately reached.

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