The Detroit Lions traded fourth- and fifth-round picks for former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata following the departure of Ndamukong Suh to the Miami Dolphins in free agency. While no one can equal the rare blend of elite run stopping and pass-rushing ability that Suh brings, Ngata is a five-time All-Pro with a Super Bowl ring. Even at 31 years old, he still brings a lot to the table. As a result, the Lions are already interested in extending Ngata, who is entering the final year of his contract.
"I'm told contract negotiations between the #Lions and DT Haloti Ngata are ongoing and positive. Big piece of the puzzle for them this year," NFL Network's Rand Getlin tweeted earlier this week.
Extending Ngata would obviously help Detroit get full value for their trade, but it also keeps an important defensive piece in place for the foreseeable future. Ngata recorded 31 tackles with 2.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in 12 games last season.
Ngata's deal won't come close to approaching the heights of Suh's six-year, $114 million contract with the Dolphins or Gerald McCoy's seven-year extension worth $98 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But it would be surprising if Ngata accepts a deal that pays him less annually than Pittsburgh's Cameron Heyward or San Diego's Corey Liuget, both of whom signed deals that average around $10 million per year this offseason. Expect Ngata to sign a deal for around three-years and $30-35 million.
