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The Lions were prepared to make Ndamukong Suh rich.

They just weren’t willing to make him quarterback-rich.

With news that Suh’s agreed (even though he can’t do that) to a six-year, $114 million deal with the Dolphins that includes $60 million in guarantees, the Lions offer pales, but not by that much.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions’ final proposal to Suh was for an average of $17 million (which comes to $102 million total), with $58 million guaranteed.

That’s more than J.J. Watt’s deal with the Texans, and would have made Suh the highest-paid defensive player in the league.

In the end, it was clear Suh was looking to take the highest possible offer.

When you throw in sunshine, South Beach and the absence of state income tax, that was enough to lead him out of Detroit.