Former Detroit Lions lineman Haloti Ngata to sign with the Eagles

Former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is going to sign a one year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles

In the wake of losing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in one offseason, former Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew knew he had to do something. Lions fans were screaming from the mountaintops that he should be fired immediately for the mishandling of such an important contract. Mayhew made some calls and found a solution he could sell. Haloti Ngata came over from Baltimore.

One year later Ngata was a free agent, Mayhew was gone, and general manager Bob Quinn was left with a choice. Quinn brought Ngata back on a two-year deal, banking that Ngata had more gas in the tank. Ngata played 13 games in 2016 and notched 22 tackles. He added 1.5 sacks and three passes defended. Ngata was alone among the Lions defensive tackles in his ability to hold ground against double teams. Because of the lack of quality on the Lions roster at the position he saw endless double teams.

2017 was less kind to Ngata. He had only seven tackles in five games, with two sacks. He came into training camp lighter and quicker but had lost the advantages that came with his previous bulk. Ngata played fewer than 50% of the defensive snaps in his five games before he tore a bicep.

Ngata was providing the only pass rush that the Lions had on the interior. Confirmation that he will not be returning to the team underscores their great need at defensive tackle. Haloti Ngata was not as good as his early years in Baltimore, but he was the best interior lineman that the Lions had.

Adam Schefter reports that Ngata is going to sign a one year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. I for one thank Ngata for his service. I wish him luck until the Lions face the Eagles in the NFC Championship game. In that game, I hope he fails miserably, and the Lions win.