Suggs' million-dollar question

Here's a literal million-dollar question: Is Terrell Suggs a defensive end or an outside linebacker?

Suggs recently filed a grievance against the Baltimore Ravens, claiming himself to be a defensive end after the team labeled him an outside linebacker when it slapped the franchise tag on him. As a franchised OLB, Suggs will earn $8.065 million in 2008, about $800,000 less than a franchised DE ($8.879 million).

The value on a long-term contract is ultimately where the decision will have the biggest impact. Dwight Freeney's six-year, $72 million contract is the highest deal received by a defensive end, and it contains over $30 million in guaranteed money. Meanwhile, the top contracts for outside linebackers average a shade over $7 million per year and fall in the range of $38-42 million over the life of the deal.

Obviously, Suggs wants to be compensated as a defensive end because his pass-rushing skills will command top dollar on the open market. With teams splurging on less established pass rushers such as Antwan Odom, Travis LaBoy and Calvin Pace, Suggs could easily command over $9 million annually as a defensive end when he hits the open market in 2009.

The resolution of Suggs' grievance will greatly impact the financial future of premier pass rushers in 3-4 defenses, including the Chargers' Shawne Merriman and DeMarcus Ware of the Cowboys. Suggs' strongest argument is, as a "hybrid" defensive end, he plays over 70 percent of the game with his hand on the ground and has a scope of responsibilities closely resembling the assignments of pass rushers.

But several league officials have their doubts. "I don't know how he can win the case regarding his position," says one AFC scout. "He is listed as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 and he spends time in coverage like other linebackers. ... Regardless of how he views himself, when you look at the tape, his role is not different than other top pass rushers who play in 3-4 defenses."