Haloti Ngata won’t be a member of the Detroit Lions in 2018 after all. Instead, the veteran will reportedly sign a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Former Lions’ DT Haloti Ngata intends to sign a one-year deal with Eagles, per @mortreport and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles Agree to Terms With Haloti Ngata
Haloti’s 2017 campaign ended earlier than expected after a biceps injury in week five against the Carolina Panthers. The defense, especially against the run, took a substantial hit without the five-time Pro Bowler. Even as a rotational piece on the defensive line, Ngata’s presence against the run helped the Lions allow a shade under 75 yards rushing per game in the first five weeks of the season. That number jumped to over 136 yards per game for the remainder of the season as Ngata wound up on injured reserve.
That type of impact should come as no surprise for the former 12th overall pick in the 2006 draft. During his nine seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Ngata was a constant force against the run and helped anchor their eventual Super Bowl run in 2012. often played multiple positions along the defensive line and controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the playoff run.
Knowing he was in the later stages of his career, Ngata openly embraced a rotational role with the Lions after being traded there in 2015. He was also an active contributor on the sidelines, the locker room, and within the community as the team nominated him for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Ngata had considered retirement during the 2016 off-season but elected to return for 2017. Even with the abrupt end to his last season in Detroit, Ngata expressed an interest in returning to football for another season.
