Between 2007 and 2010, the Lions looked like they’d turned a corner. In four straight drafts, they picked up Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, and Ndamukong Suh — three top-tier first-rounders who not only met expectations but helped shape Detroit’s identity. Megatron dominated defenses, Stafford shattered passing records, and Suh bullied O-lines at will. It felt like the beginning of something special. But when payday arrived? Only two got what they deserved.

J ohnson inked an eight-year, $132 million contract extension in 2012. Stafford got his own monster deal — five years, $135 million — in 2015. Suh, however, was shown the door. Despite being a franchise-changing DT, the Lions let him walk — not because they didn’t want him, but because they couldn’t fit him in the budget. They had three stars, but gave massive extensions to only two, leaving fans with a “what could’ve been” for the ages.

Now retired from the game, Suh officially called it quits on July 12. But as he bid farewell to the NFL, he also aired old frustrations. On Thursday, the former Lions star stated he should’ve earned more than Stafford, arguing his draft position right behind the QB made him just as valuable. “Detroit gave me the short end,” Suh said in an Instagram video.

“I believed I deserved to be paid more than Matthew Stafford,” Suh explained, “because I was their next first-rounder. I truly thought I’d be a franchise cornerstone, but the organization didn’t treat me like one. They wouldn’t go beyond what they paid their quarterback. I told them, ‘I’ll show you. I am a cornerstone, whether you pay me or not.’”

While Stafford and Johnson got their massive extensions, Suh headed south to Miami. There, he signed a six-year, $114 million contract, averaging $19 million per year. While still under Stafford’s number, it made him the league’s highest-paid defensive player at the time. From the outside, Detroit’s decision may have seemed justified. But did it pan out?

.Suh made only one Pro Bowl after leaving the Lions and was cut after three years in Miami. He went on to play five more years with three different teams. Now, with his career behind him, Suh reflects on that era with a mixture of wisdom and resentment. His advice to today’s stars? Know your worth — and don’t settle for less.

“I definitely believed I should’ve been paid like Stafford,” Suh continued, “because impact isn’t just stats. It’s leadership, energy, the way teammates respond to you. Lesson here? If you’re carrying the weight — whether on the field or in the workplace — demand what you’re worth. Being ‘valuable’ and being valued aren’t the same.” This mindset mirrors that of Trey Hendrickson.

Hendrickson’s dispute with the Bengals reflects a similar theme. The 30-year-old pass rusher is set to play the final year of his contract, earning $16 million in 2025 — well below current market value. He’s holding out for a new deal. Experts, like Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti, estimate Hendrickson is worth a three-year, $115.5 million extension, with $100 million guaranteed.

But the big question looms: will the Bengals pony up for Hendrickson? Earlier this offseason, team EVP Katie Blackburn said, “I think he should be happy with a number he might not feel great about. Part of it’s on him to accept a fair deal. If he doesn’t, that’s where things stall. We have full respect for him, but it takes both sides to agree.”

Hendrickson fired back with frustration over the team’s approach. On The Pat McAfee Show in April, he revealed, “That was disappointing. We’ve had poor communication for months. My agent hasn’t even been contacted directly. It’s honestly been very frustrating.” This offseason’s pass rusher market hasn’t stood still — it’s been moving nonstop.

Edge rushers like Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, and now TJ Watt have all reset the top of the market. But Hendrickson? He’s still waiting. Like Suh, he’s not interested in playing for less than he believes he’s worth. He wants that payday, and he’s not backing down. $16 million might be his current number — but he knows he deserves more. The only question left: will Cincinnati agree?