Detroit Lions: Haloti to Philly? Ngata done deal just yet
By Matt Bosko
Early reports stated that Haloti Ngata agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles, but the deal is not yet official, and the Detroit Lions are still in the mix.
The Detroit Lions have been busy in the wake of free agency, but have yet to land any help for their defensive line.
The situation looked bleak on Monday, when the Lions appeared to be on the cusp of losing Haloti Ngata to the Philadelphia Eagles, while at the same time missing out on the services of defensive tackle Beau Allen to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As it currently stands, Ngata is meeting with the Eagles today. As Ian Rapoport stated earlier, a deal between the two sides is likely, but the Lions are still very much in play for the defensive lineman.
Free agent DT Haloti Ngata, who played last year for the #Lions, is visiting the #Eagles today, source said. If it goes well, he will likely sign, though Detroit remains interested in having him return for another year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
Re-signing Ngata would help the Lions shore up a paltry run defense. Though Ngata managed just seven tackles and two sacks in five games last season, his presence was an asset in containing opponents’ rushing attack. After suffering a season-ending biceps injury last season, the Lions struggled to stop anybody on the ground. The team surrendered 112.5 yards per game last season, a figure that contributed to their late-season collapse.
The early reports stated that Ngata verbally agreed to a one-year deal with the Eagles prior to the official start of free agency. Although Ngata is currently meeting with the Eagles, the 34 year-old veteran may take his time making his final decision. He spent the last three seasons with the Lions, and it is possible he will give the franchise a chance to match the Eagles’ offer.
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If Ngata chooses the Eagles, it will be back to the drawing board for Bob Quinn and the Lions’ front office. Big names, such as Ndomukong Suh, Dontari Poe, and Sheldon Richardson are still available, but their services are sure to command a hefty price tag. The Lions have some cap space to make a splash move, but may look to the NFL Draft to address this problem as they continue to fill other roster deficiencies.