What does Freeney's deal mean for Suggs?

By Aaron Wilson

OWINGS MILLS -- The ante may have just been increased in the contract negotiations between Terrell Suggs and the Baltimore Ravens.

While the Ravens' talented young pass rusher isn't likely to approach the bag of gold Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney just hauled in Friday -- a reported six-year, $72 million bundle that included a $30 million signing bonus -- he's likely to be rewarded with a virtual treasure of his own.

Suggs has 40 career sacks in 64 career games compared to Freeney's 56 1/2 over five seasons. Both are extremely disruptive forces rushing off the edge. And Suggs emerged as an all-around defender last season, improving markedly against the run.

Both players share the same agent: Gary Wichard.

While I'm not saying Suggs, a two-time Pro selection, will receive the same type of contract as the more established and game-impacting Freeney, he's obviously still going to break the bank figuratively speaking.

While Suggs won't become the highest paid defensive player in NFL history like Freeney, he'll likely earn more than the $35 million package that All-Pro linebacker Adalius Thomas received from the New England Patriots this offseason. Thomas received $20 million in guaranteed money, and that appears to be the bench mark for elite defensive ends and outside linebackers nowadays.

No word on when a deal might be struck for Suggs, but negotiations have remained amicable and out of the press. That's usually a good sign.

The Ravens have made it clear that retaining Suggs long-term is a big-time priority, and he's likely to get the Todd Heap or Ed Reed treatment at some point in the future as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract.

Stay tuned.