Newly acquired DL Haloti Ngata told reporters during his introductory press conference on Wednesday that he is open to signing a contract extension with the Lions.
“Yeah, definitely,” Ngata said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “We’re open to anything. You know, just being here so far, I’m getting really comfortable already. Once I meet the guys, I know I’ll just want to stay here. So if an extension comes to mind, that would be awesome. If not, then it is what it is.”
The Lions sent fourth- and fifth-round picks to the Ravens at the start of free agency in exchange for Ngata and a seventh-round selection.
Baltimore had been trying to get an agreement in place that would offer them some much needed cap relief. However, talks reportedly stalled after it became clear that Ngata would do well as a free agent, which left him in a position of leverage.
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.
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