Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata turned 31 years old last month and is set to receive a base salary of $8.5 million in 2015 with a $16 million cap number.
Entering his 10th season, Ngata's current production might not be aligned with that massive figure, leading to questions about his future in Charm City.
The Baltimore Sun's Mike Preston reported this week that the Ravens will attempt to negotiate an extension to lower the cap number as Ngata enters the final year of his contract. If the sides can't agree, Ngata "has to find another place this year where he can finish his career," per Preston.
It's not a surprise that the Ravens want to renegotiate their starting defensive lineman's contract. They attempted to do so the past couple of offseasons, but were told no thanks.
The Ravens are expected to meet with Ngata's agent soon, per Preston.
Ngata has been a cornerstone of the Ravens' success, but his four-game suspension to close the regular season cast a shadow on his future. General manager Ozzie Newsome, unlike some GMs, has been known to hang onto his top defensive talent. An extension that gives Ngata a big bonus while lowering his cap figure and keeps him in purple till his career ends seems to make sense for both sides.
However, if the sides can't agree and Baltimore decides to cut the five-time All-Pro player, it will be another reminder that in the NFL, it's always about business.
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