Megatron: 'I'll do whatever' so Suh stays in Detroit

PHOENIX - Ndamukong Suh isn't going anywhere as a free agent, at least if Calvin Johnson has anything to say about it.

Johnson, the Lions' No. 1 receiver, said today at the NFL Honors awards show that he'll help recruit Suh or do anything else necessary to keep the All-Pro defensive tackle in Detroit.

"I'll do whatever I got to do," Johnson said.

Suh's rookie contract voids next week and he'll be the most sought-after free agent on the market if the Lions can't sign him to a long-term deal before March 10.

The second overall pick in the 2010 draft, Suh led the Lions with 8.5 sacks last year and was a first-team All-Pro for the third time in five seasons.

He's angling to become the highest paid defensive player in the NFL, and the Lions have to decide in the coming weeks whether to use the franchise tag to restrict his movement in free agency.

Johnson said the Lions, coming off an 11-5 season and wildcard loss to the Dallas Cowboys, have a chance to challenge for a Super Bowl next year "if we can keep our guys in place."

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew declined comment on Suh's contract talks today.

The Lions would need to create cap space if they decide to franchise Suh at the cost of $26.9 million next year, and Johnson could help by extending his contract or doing a simple restructure.

In 2013, Johnson, who's scheduled to count $20.5 million against the cap next year, did a simple restructure that freed up about $3.5 million in cap space.

Johnson wore a wrap today on the right finger that's given him trouble in recent years, but he said he did not need any off-season surgery this year after undergoing finger and ankle procedures last January.

"Feeling good," Johnson said. "Coming along. I'm not 100 (Percent) yet, but that's what the off-season's for, to get right. So reload and get ready for next year."

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.