Lions working to sign No. 2 pick Ndamukong Suh

With the start of NFL training camps rapidly approaching and no first-round draft picks signed, the agent for Lions rookie Ndamukong Suh is using only one reference point in negotiations for his client. Suh’s value to the Lions is all that counts, agent Roosevelt Barnes insists. Suh’s presence on the defensive line is one reason for optimism about the Lions’ chances to improve their fortunes in 2010. “I’m negotiating for Ndamukong Suh, and the player that he is and the person he is — on and off the field,” Barnes said. “A player like Ndamukong Suh hasn’t come along in many years, so it’s hard to say anything about what has happened in the past and how much impact that would have as a reference point.” Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said last month that having Suh signed in time for training camp is “critically important.” Players report to the Lions’ Allen Park training facility July 30. The first practice is July 31. Unsigned players cannot report. Barnes agrees with the urgency to have Suh signed, and Suh has said he wants to report on time. “That’s exactly what our goal is,” Barnes said. “To get something done on time.”  — Detroit News