Ed Zurga/Associated Press

The Los Angeles Rams made a marquee addition to their defensive front Monday when they signed defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, as the team announced.



ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the agreement is a one-year deal worth $14 million, which is less than he could have gotten elsewhere.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted the Jets were at least one team to offer more.

This comes after Schefter reported the Miami Dolphins released Suh following three seasons with the team.

Jeff Darlington of ESPN said the Dolphins were looking for a "culture change" as they got rid of Suh, and in October, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports pointed to questions about "Suh's leadership and on-field behavior" and the fact he "has been seen as aloof by many teammates."

There was also a financial aspect to Miami's decision. La Canfora noted prior to the release that "Suh's compensation is comparable to higher-end starting quarterbacks. He is set to count a staggering $26 million against the cap in 2018."

Los Angeles added the Nebraska product on a friendlier contract, which is not much of a surprise considering he will be 31 years old throughout the 2018 campaign.

Suh entered the league when the Detroit Lions used the second overall pick on him in the 2010 draft, and he quickly developed into a dominant defensive force. Four of his five Pro Bowl appearances came during his five seasons with the Lions, and he was named the 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year and a three-time member of the First Team All-Pro.

While his total of 15.5 sacks in three seasons with Miami doesn't hold up to his 36 from his time in Detroit, he was still a disruptive run-stopper and tallied a career-best 72 tackles in 2016.

His prime may be in the rearview mirror at this stage, but Suh adds a veteran presence to Los Angeles' defensive front and has proved durable throughout his career. He has played all 16 games in every one of his seasons but 2011, when he played 14.

If Suh remains healthy in 2018, he figures to be a critical piece in the Rams' push to the playoffs after they won the NFC West last year.

Opposing offensive lines will now have to deal with the combination of Suh and 2017 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, which is a daunting proposition. Opponents won't be able to consistently double-team both of them, meaning at least one will be working against a single blocker for extended stretches of games.

That reality, along with an offense featuring Jared Goff and Todd Gurley, should put the Rams on the short list of Super Bowl contenders in 2018.