Detroit Lions: 10 Players Who Could Be Gone in 2016
By Zac Snyder
Sep 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (92) gives high fives to fans as he runs onto the field before a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions beat the Bills 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Haloti Ngata
From the very beginning, Haloti Ngata cautioned everyone who would listen that he is not Ndamukong Suh and plays a different style than Ndamukong Suh. Even still, it’s hard not to see Ngata as the Lions attempt at a one-for-one replacement after losing Suh in free agency. That would be a mistake, and lead to a feeling of disappointment.
Suh was a freak of nature, packing an unusual combination of size, strength and speed with the endurance to play as many, or more, snaps as any defensive tackle in the league. Ngata is not that at this point in his career. That’s OK, but it also means the new regime may not be keen on picking up talks on a new contract with Ngata.
Don’t be confused: Ngata will have his suitors. There will be a team out there willing to commit the years and dollars that Ngata wants – and deserves – but don’t be surprised if the new general manager chooses instead to let Ngata walk in free agency and let him count in their favor for compensatory draft pick consideration.
Next: Jason Jones