A year later Ndamukong Suh still hot topic

Ndamukong Suh is considered to be at the top of the list when NFL free agency starts on March 10.

That is, if the defensive tackle doesn’t get a deal done with the Detroit Lions first.

The NFL nation is abuzz.

Lions fans are confused.

Suh rarely discusses contract issues.

SUH’S 2014 SEASON IN PHOTOS

The Lions have not ruled out using the franchise tag which would pay Suh $26.9 million in 2015. They would have to tag him by March 2, although they could continue negotiating a deal until July 15.

So at this point, the next key date is March 2.

Let’s look at the facts, starting about a year ago:

— Feb. 21, 2014: Lions GM Martin Mayhew said: “I anticipate we’ll get something done. He has said he wants to be here, we’d like him to be here. That’s my mindset right now.’’ Mayhew denied rumors that the Lions would trade Suh. They were trying to extend Suh prior to the start of the 2014 free agency to free up salary cap space and just to get the deal done. They were held up after Suh fired his long-time agent at the end of the 2013 season and took months to choose a new one.

— March 7, 2014: Suh hired agent Jimmy Sexton.

— July 28, 2014: At the start of training camp, team president Tom Lewand said: “We’ve had a lot of conversations over the offseason. Every one of the contract negotiations is different. In light of where we are and most importantly in light of getting ready for the season and keeping the focus where it should be, we’ve decided to table the discussions with Ndamukong on any further discussions until after the season.’’

— Dec. 10, 2014: Suh said (and maybe he said it just to get off the subject): “It’ll be Jimmy’s decision (on where I sign), we’ll go with that. You can call Jimmy (Sexton) if you want to.’’ Same day, when asked about possibility of playing his last home game at Ford Field, Suh said, “No clue. It’s not my decision.”

— Jan. 8, 2015: In his season-ending press conference, Mayhew said about Suh: “He wants to be here and we want him to be here. As I said before that’s a pretty good combination, we’ll see how it all turns out.’’

— Jan. 8. 2015: Also, Mayhew would not rule out using the franchise tag and said, “He certainly is a big priority for us, he’s an important part of our football team the last five years. I think the world of him, had an opportunity to sit down and talk with him on Monday and had a good conversation.’’

— Feb. 1, 2015: Team president Tom Lewand appeared on WDIV’s “Flashpoint” and said: “I think there’s a very, very good chance that we can get something done with (Suh) in the next few weeks.’’

— Feb. 6, 2015: Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson told ESPN.com: “I don’t think there’s a team in the NFL that wouldn’t want to see Ndamukong Suh on their team. I know I would be no different. That guy is one of the best, overall, period in the NFL. Would I like him on our team? Believe it.”

So that’s the situation.

Every day there’s a new rumor about a preferred Suh destination. Seattle? New York Giants? Oakland?

Every team may want him, but they can not all afford him.

Mayhew is confident in getting a deal done, so is Lewand.

One month to go until free agency. Teams can negotiate deals with free agents starting March 7, but can’t sign them until 4 p.m. on March 10.

It could get interesting.