The Baltimore Ravens slapped the franchise tag on DT Haloti Ngata last February in an effort to protect his rights for the 2011 season. The deadline for players who were given the franchise tag to sign a long-term contract extension comes this afternoon (Sept. 20).
Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens Close To Agreement On New Contract
Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times reports the two sides were on the verge of “striking a blockbuster deal”.
Whatever the price tag is, it will likely be worth it. He’s turned into a star after the Ravens drafted him with the 12th pick of the 2006 NFL draft. At 27 years old, Ngata has several quality years left in him barring injury and the Ravens are wise to lock him up.
Just this week, it was reported that the two sides weren’t close on a deal and it may not get done prior to Tuesday’s 4:00 p.m. (ET) deadline. If they don’t get a deal done by then, talks would have to be tabled until the end of the season at which point Ngata could choose to be exposed to free agency.
Hop on over to SB Nation’s Baltimore Beatdown for more updates.
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