Former Oregon Ducks Defensive Tackle Haloti Ngata Close to Long Term Deal with Baltimore Ravens?

Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle

(92) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

A players success in the NFL is greatly dependent on their durability and how they take care of themselves. The perfect example of this type of player is former Oregon Ducks Defensive Tackle Haloti Ngata who has spent his entire eight year career with the Baltimore Ravens. Over the offseason the team has been working toward signing the Ngata to a long term deal, but the numbers have not been right. On Tuesday it was reported that the former Oregon Ducks player turned down the Ravens most recent offer.

Ngata has been effective over the last few seasons, but not like he was in 2007 when he had 44 tackles, 19 assists, and three sacks in his second season. Between 2010 and 2012 he was one of the better players at the position with 16 sacks combined.  The Baltimore Ravens are thinking long term because of the salary cap and want to get the former Oregon Ducks star under contract to soften the hit. The deal, which could still happen would have been similar to the deal signed by Linebacker Terrell Suggs and would have allowed Ngata to retire as a Baltimore Raven. The deal Suggs’ signed in the offseason will allow him to remain with Baltimore through 2018 and shaved about five million dollars off his cap number.

Last season Ngata’s numbers were down from previous seasons. He recorded 23 tackles with 1.5 sacks, but was recognized and made his fifth Pro Bowl appearance in a row. He still has two years remaining on his current deal with the team.

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