Contract Talks Between Lions & Haloti Ngata “Ongoing & Positive”

According to Rand Getlin of NFL Media, contract negotiations between the Lions and DT Haloti Ngata are “ongoing and positive.”

• Getlin adds that Ngata will be a “big piece of the puzzle” for the Lions’ defense in 2015.

Lions GM Martin Mayhew told reporters several months ago that they were interested in getting an extension in place with Ngata. However, there really hasn’t been any reported progress since then.

It’s worth mentioning that Ngata also said that he is open to signing a contract extension with the Lions.

Detroit pulled the trigger on a trade that sent fourth- and fifth-round picks to the Ravens at the start of free agency in exchange for Ngata and a seventh-round selection. This move came shortly after they lost Ndamukong Suh to the Dolphins.

Ngata, 31, has one year remaining on his five-year, $61 million contract that included $37.1 million guaranteed. His base salary for the 2015 season is $8.5 million.

In 2014, appeared in 12 games and recorded 32 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and seven pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 defensive end in a 3-4 system out of 47 qualifying players.