The Detroit Lions are not optimistic about signing Ndamukong Suh to a new contract, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Suh’s contract which runs through the 2014 season has a salary cap hit of $22 million. Mortensen reported that if Suh doesn’t get signed his franchise tender would be $26.7 million in 2015 or he would become an unrestricted free agent entering his sixth NFL season.

Suh fired his former agent in January and signed new agent Jimmy Sexton in March. Both sides have said they want to reach an agreement, but neither side has made a public announcement in months.

It’s likely Suh, the second overall pick in the 2010 draft, wants to be the highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL. A year ago Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins signed a six-year deal worth $66.423 million.

While there’s no question Suh has found success on the field, he drew attention to himself this spring when he didn’t show up for the voluntary offseason workout programs from the get-go.

He's a man with a mind of his own. Nothing should be surprising to Lions' management or the fans.

The Lions veterans report for training camp on Sunday and hold their first practice on Monday.

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