Report: Dolphins confident they can sign Ndamukong Suh

The Miami Dolphins are confident that can sign defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a contract when the free-agent period opens up next week

The Miami Dolphins are confident they can sign defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a contract when the free-agent period opens up next week, reports the Miami Herald.

The Dolphins have saved nearly $12 million in salary cap space this week by releasing wide receivers Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson and cornerback Cortland Finnegan.

Miami is about $9.5 million under the salary cap.

The Indianapolis Colts, the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders are reportedly interested in signing Suh. The Raiders have nearly $65 million in cap space and the Colts have about $39 million to spend.

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Suh is expected to become one of the league’s highest paid players. The Detroit Lions declined to place the franchise tag on him, which would have cost the team $26.9 million against the salary cap for 2015.

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is currently the highest paid non-offensive player after he signed a six-year, $100 million deal before last season.

Suh, 28, had 53 total tackles and 8.5 sacks for the Lions last season, helping lead the NFL’s top-ranked rushing defense. He was named first-team AP All-Pro for the fourth time in his five-year career.

- Scooby Axson