ALLEN PARK, Mich. – He met with the NFL in the offseason in an attempt to understand where he was maybe going wrong. Ndamukong Suh wanted to learn about where he could fit in better within the construct of the NFL rules.

He knows he is one of the most fined players out there and he understands the way he plays sometimes attracts the attention of the league, evidenced by his multiple fines. It looked like there might be another one during this preseason, too, when Suh hit Jacksonville quarterback Chad Henne.

Then the league chose not to fine Suh for a hit that was flagged – although he is not sure if this is a sign the league is understanding how he plays better. They do know, though, he has at least talked with them in an effort to change.

“I think for sure they understand that I made changes,” Suh said. “I’ve always been a person that likes to play within the rules, plays hard. I think I’m a guy that’s unfortunately fast and strong so my hits look pretty egregious at times, but at the end of day I’m going out there to play as hard as I can and impose my will and have that determination to win for my team.”

As he has been adjusting his game to understand the rules more, he is also acclimating himself with Detroit’s new defense run by new coordinator Teryl Austin.

How Suh is used within the construct of the defense, though, is still in question. Last season, Detroit lined him up inside at tackle for the most part but sometimes moved him outside to defensive end during pass-rush situations.

Suh has never been a player overly concerned – at least publicly –with statistics and he wouldn’t say whether or not he thinks Austin’s scheme, which should feature more pressure from linebackers as well as the defensive line, could lead to increased tackles and sacks.

In his four seasons with Detroit, Suh has made 185 tackles, including 27.5 sacks and forcing two fumbles. He said he feels, though, he can play in any defensive system.

“There’s multiple different types of defense,” Suh said. “I feel like I’m a player that can fit into any particular defense. Put me in a position, tell me what you need me to do and I can get it done for you.

“I can adjust and adapt.”

It is his potential to play in any system, along with his obvious skill level, that makes him one of the more talented defensive players in the NFL and an attractive option for teams should he choose to test the free-agent market following this season.

While he continued to decline discussions about his contract Thursday, he was aware of the new deal signed by Houston defensive end J.J. Watt and was glad to see the Texans star receive a massive $100 million extension to make him one of the richest defensive players in the game.

However, he declined to say whether or not he wants to be paid more than Watt or if he’ll ask the Lions – or other teams – for similar numbers.

“At all levels, all defensive players, all offensive players deserve what they get,” Suh said. “J.J., like I said, is an exceptional player. All-Pro, Pro Bowl guy, defensive player of the year guy. So [he] deserves to get paid what he gets paid.”

Should Suh continue to play within the league’s rules and show he is as adaptable as he says he is, he should see some of that money soon as well.