The Bucs have re-signed the vast majority of their own free agents this offseason, with a few more key players still available. One of those players is defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Many have expected the veteran to eventually re-sign with the Bucs this offseason. And it makes sense. Tampa Bay is thin at defensive tackle, and they’ve made no outside signing to fill his spot. Suh is coming off back-to-back six sacks seasons as a great running mate for Vita Vea.

But listening to GM Jason Licht at the league meetings in Palm Beach, it doesn’t sound like re-signing Suh is imminent. In fact, Licht implied that bringing Suh back may hinge on other developments that haven’t take place yet this offseason.

“Still in touch, still talk,” Licht said when asked if he’d spoken with Suh’s representatives. “Got a lot of balls in the air, a lot of decisions we have to make moving forward, for different reasons. But we’ll leave everything. It’s an open door for a lot of different things that could come up. But we’ll see what happens. There is (a time element to it). But there’s a time element on several other positions as well.”

Will Bucs Wait On Re-Signing Suh?

You won’t find many more ambiguous statements than this one from Licht. As a result, I’m left to heavily read between the lines. Here are my guesses as to what is happening with Suh this offseason. Please keep in mind these are educated guesses, not reports.

Suh has always been a bit of a mercenary in free agency. I would be shocked if he settled for Will Gholston-level money to return. He likely wants to be paid in the $8 million range for this season, with incentives. And the Bucs are probably wondering if there are comparable, cheaper options out there as a result. Even if it means they split the $8 million between two players.

Georgia DT Devonte Wyatt – Photo by: USA Today

When Licht references the “balls in the air”, I think he’s talking about the draft. The Bucs likely want to draft a defensive tackle in April, but will any good ones be available? If Tampa Bay is able to land Devonte Wyatt in the first round, perhaps their desire to re-sign Suh wanes. They’d be four deep at defensive tackle, possibly five if they select another later in the draft. I also wouldn’t rule out a cheap free agent signing before now and the first round.

But, if the Bucs strike out in the draft at defensive tackle, perhaps re-acquiring Suh is a priority again. The team goes to Plan B, pushes a bit more money down the road, and keeps their interior defensive line intact. That may be where both sides are at in negotiations this offseason. Tampa Bay wants Suh back, but probably not at his typical rate. And the three-time All-Pro isn’t willing to play for less. So, unless Suh is willing to go sign elsewhere, this staring match may last until after the draft.