No Extension Talks Yet Between Lions, Ngata
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
ALLEN PARK - Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has one season remaining on his current contract, and he has expressed a willingness to consider signing an extension with Detroit. So far, no conversations about an extension have taken place, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said Friday in his pre-draft press conference.
"I think they know that we have an interest in doing something, and I think that we know that they have an interest in doing something, but he just got here for the offseason program," Mayhew said. "We're letting him get comfortable and get situated, and at some point we'll start that dialogue."
Ngata is the team's replacement for departed star Ndamukong Suh, who signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. Ngata is already 31 years old but is widely respected by NFL coaches.
The Baltimore Ravens, who traded Ngata to the Lions, did not want to let him go but could not afford to keep him. The Ravens were trying to sign Ngata to an extension but could not come to an agreement. Ngata said after his introductory press conference in Detroit that he and his agent wanted a three-year deal while Baltimore actually wanted a longer one.
