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Ndamukong Suh is in spectacular shape for the 2014 season -- which could end up being a contract season if an extension can't be worked out. (Mike Mullholland | MLive.com)

ALLEN PARK -- ESPN is reporting the Detroit Lions are "not optimistic" they'll be able to re-sign Ndamukong Suh.

Jim Caldwell disputed that notion Sunday as veterans reported for the start of training camp, going so far as to say he "absolutely" believes a deal will get done.

"I'm always optimistic," Caldwell said during a news conference at the team's Allen Park headquarters. "I think without question they're working at it. I think something will be done at the appropriate time."

Suh is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which made him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL, and carries the largest cap hit in the league this season ($22.4 million).

The Lions could retain Suh for another year via the franchise tag, though that would carry a $26.7 million price tag that likely isn't feasible.

He also carries $9.7 million in dead money, further incentive to get an extension done.

Caldwell believes the sides will eventually come together, though didn't say when he thought that might be. He also said he didn't know whether the Lions would continue to negotiate after the start of the season.

"I'm not certain. Talks are going on here and there. I'm not certain exactly," he said. "That's not my area of expertise, necessarily, but they're talking and when it gets close we'll let you know. It'll get done in the appropriate time."

The Lions insist the negotiations won't become a distraction, though it was a dominant talking point Sunday, and isn't likely to fade once they hit the practice field Monday.

The good news: Suh, known throughout the league for his tremendous conditioning, appears to have whipped himself into even better shape for this season.

Whether that's in anticipation of playing through a contract year remains to be seen. Either way, that's good news for a Lions defense that could use all the pressure it can get up front.

"The guy looks more like Adonis now," center Dominic Raiola said. "He cut out more body fat and put on more weight, which is scary."

Suh elected to sit out the first few weeks players were eligible to work with the new staff, which left veterans such as Raiola and linebacker Stephen Tulloch to answer for him. But Tulloch maintains that Suh won't become a distraction for the team.

"I think the media more so worries about it than what we do. I know when 90 gets here, he's going to work," Raiola said. "All the outside stuff that goes on, we don't pay attention to it. I know 90 is going to work when he gets here, and practice harder than probably everyone on the field."

Detroit originally thought it could sign Suh to a new deal before the start of free agency in March. Nearly five months later, an agreement still hasn't been reached, causing some to question whether Suh really wants to be here long term.

But Raiola and Tulloch both said they don't have to give him a recruiting pitch about staying.

"We don't have to say anything to Suh," Tulloch said. "Suh is a business man, as we all know, and when things get done, they'll get done."