ESPN reported that Jay-Z's Roc Nation would handle Ndamukong Suh's contract negotiations with the Detroit Lions. But almost a month later, Suh still was without an agent.

Fox Sports reported this week that Suh was entertaining the possibility of representing himself.

But in the end, he chose the traditional route.

The star Detroit defensive tackle has hired Creative Artists Agency's Jimmy Sexton as his agent, according to the Sports Business Journal. That concludes a month-long search for new representation just five days before the start of free agency.

His signing with CAA should spark immediate contract negotiations with Detroit, which is saddled with a $22.4 million cap hit if an extension isn't worked out. Free agency starts at 4 p.m. Tuesday, and the Lions currently have only about $8 million in cap space.

General manager Martin Mayhew said last month that he expected to have a deal worked out with Suh around the start of free agency, but that process has been delayed by Suh's month-long search for a new agent.

"I think this will get done on the eve of free agency or the eve of the start of the new league year, which is when free agency starts, or sometime shortly after the start of the new league year," Mayhew said. "That would be a good timetable for us. If it doesn't get done, we're fine with that. We can create some space.

"But I anticipate something getting done with him."

Suh fired longtime agent Roosevelt Barnes last month, despite making more money in his first four years than any NFL player in history.

It's unclear whether CAA also will handle marketing, or if Suh still intends to sign with Jay-Z's Roc Nation for those services.

Sexton is a big name in the sports agency world. He counts former Lions coach Jim Schwartz among his clients.